| Difference between an iPod and MP3 player? Probably a dumb question, and I guess I should know this already, but what's the difference, if any, between an iPod and an MP3 player?
Doesn't an iPod play MP3 files too?
Is it just that the iPod can automatically get Podcasts? |
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1 edit | The iPod can play MP3's, but it can also play M4A (AAC) files, which are proprietary to Apple.
The iPods come with extra perks - the new ones can view videos and store color pictures, depending on the model you get. Yes, they can store podcasts and audiobooks, but you could convert these from the Apple format to an MP3 format that would play on any other player....
No doubt about it, there are more capable alternatives to the iPod, but I choose the iPod for it's compactness and ease of use (not that I'm stupid, it's just very easy to operate/see in the car).
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 LBDSLLightning BoltVIP
join:2002-01-07
Auburn Hills, MI | reply to TherapyChick
mp3 player is a generic term, much like the term "car" where as the iPod, is a specific model of mp3 player, just like a Chevy Trailblazer is.
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 timcuthBraves FanPremium
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL
 ·AT&T Southeast
| reply to TherapyChick
I just bought an iPod, last night. Unfortunately, I'm giving it as a Christmas gift.
Maybe my son will let me play with it. 
Tim
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Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. |
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 GeekNJPremium
join:2000-09-23
Waldwick, NJ | reply to TherapyChick
said by TherapyChick:Is it just that the iPod can automatically get Podcasts? You had a bunch of responses on the other questions you asked but I didn't notice one for this.
iPod is the player. iTunes is the software that runs on a Mac or Windows machine. iTunes provides a few main functions:
1) It allows you to automatically sync your iPod with your music in iTunes where it downloads all the music in your iTunes music library to your iPod - assuming you have less music in your library then available space on your iPod
2) Is a mechanism to purchase music from the iTunes Music Store.
3) Allows you to load (rip) music from CDs you already have into your iTunes Music Library
4) Create playlists (like all songs that are from the 1980's)
5) Burn audio CDs of the music in your iTunes music library
6) The more recent releases of iTunes have podcasting support built in. It allows you to select from the iTunes Music Store podcast library or enter in any podcast URL that isn't already in the podcast library and it will automatically download updates to the podcast and of course, sync the new podcasts when you connect your iPod.
It's a very elegant and simple interface. My wife and kids use it all the time and I never have to help them.
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| Thanks to you and the others with the responses, clears it up a bit for me.
Any additional comments are welcome.
I know iPods aren't exactly "new", but it's something I haven't had my hands on, and wanted to keep up a bit with what the big deal about them was. |
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| the big deal is just mostly the marketing hype, and the coolness factor
they're not the best MP3 player out there, but they're also no where near the bottom
they're a nice mp3 player, and most people would gladly take one if they were offered a free one
but if you're out shopping and spending your own cash, there's better value to be found in other units |
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| reply to TherapyChick
An iPod is more than just something that plays music. When coupled with the iTunes software and music store, it really shines. The entire experience of managing your own music files and shopping for others is what makes it stand out above every other player out there. Most companies just don't understand good design and usability. Apple does. To hell with what's hot or in, it just works. |
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 SunsetstripGo KingsPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-08
West Hollywood, CA | reply to TherapyChick
Just keep in mind that if you are going to use any of the subscription music services like Napster/Yahoo/Rhapsody they will not work with a iPod since it does not play DRM MTP/Plays for Sure .wma's...so you are going to be beholden to Apple or have to purchase the files in mp3 format.
In my opinion iPods are grotesquely overpriced and the quality does not stand out so far that the price difference is worth it,for what a 2GB iPod costs you could probably pick up a 30GB iRiver or Creative player and they sound as good if not better than iPods I have tested,have comparable battery life....no if you need/want all these accessories and toys for your player iPod has the best selection.....all I want is a large capacity player that sounds good and doesn't drain the battery all the time,I found that in a Creative Zen Xtra 30GB for around $170
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GeekNJPremium
join:2000-09-23
Waldwick, NJ | said by Sunsetstrip: Just keep in mind that if you are going to use any of the subscription music services like Napster/Yahoo/Rhapsody they will not work with a iPod since it does not play DRM MTP/Plays for Sure .wma's...so you are going to be beholden to Apple or have to purchase the files in mp3 format. That isn't accurate. With any service where you can purchase music and burn a CD, you'd be fine. You can rip any CD into iTunes and once anything is in iTunes it can be synced to an iPod.
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tdkyo
join:2002-12-07
Rochester, NY
1 edit | Quality loss right there. |
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SunsetstripGo KingsPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-08
West Hollywood, CA | reply to GeekNJ
said by GeekNJ:said by Sunsetstrip: Just keep in mind that if you are going to use any of the subscription music services like Napster/Yahoo/Rhapsody they will not work with a iPod since it does not play DRM MTP/Plays for Sure .wma's...so you are going to be beholden to Apple or have to purchase the files in mp3 format. That isn't accurate. With any service where you can purchase music and burn a CD, you'd be fine. You can rip any CD into iTunes and once anything is in iTunes it can be synced to an iPod. No i believe that I was accurate,I stated "subscription service" meaning a service that you pay per month for unlimited downloads,you do not own these and the if you do not renew your subscription the license will expire in 30 days,these files are DRM protected wma's.
I then stated "or have to purchase the files in mp3 format" which you can do from these services a la carte or as part of the subscription service and these will not(this is a guess on my part) have any DRM restrictions so you could rip to what ever format floats your boat.
My apologies if I didn't get my message out clear the first time,I don't articulate well sometimes
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 kwPremium
join:2004-06-12
kudos:5
 ·RoadRunner Cable
| reply to tdkyo
said by tdkyo:Quality lose right there. It's spelled quality loss. And if you're buying a DRM'd file, you're going to have a crappy quality copy anyways. I'm sure a good 95% of people who have mp3 players do NOT use legal means to obtain music. I have ~2,500 mp3s, and I probably only legally bought 50% of them, and they are CD's that I ripped. That aside, iPods are great. I love mine and I use it all of the time to do housework, run with, mow, etc. For awhile you'll treat it like a baby. The only downside to iPods are the cost (IMO they're worth the high price), and the fact that they scratch VERY easily. If you're looking to get one, invest in a silicone sleeve for it, you wont regret it. |
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tdkyo
join:2002-12-07
Rochester, NY | Heh, rough day.:) BTW, for the scratch you can use a spinning polisher (is that the proper name??) to polish your scratched ipod like new! I saw a video demonstration about this, but I can't find it now. I will post it later, when I find it. |
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| reply to TherapyChick
the ipod has adavantages and other digital music players also have advantages.
ipod positives...
its shiny
its easy to use
other digital music player advantages...
lower cost
support for more file formats (including lossless formats)
compatibility with subscription services
compatibility with all download services except Itunes
the ipod has the cool factor and the recognizable factor but there are other players that are actually more capable for a lower price tag. its up to you what is important to you, form or function. if you answered form then go buy an ipod but if you answered function then you might be doing yourself a disservice by getting an ipod. |
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timcuthBraves FanPremium
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL Reviews:
·AT&T Southeast
| Another iPod positive is:
Compatibility with iTunes download service
While I have never owned an iPod (until the one I just bought for my son for Christmas), I have settled on iTunes as my download service and my PC music playing and management system for well over than a year, now. I just like the way it works.
The others all wanted fairly large monthly fees. With iTunes, I can download ten songs or one song or zero songs per month and I only pay for what I use.
Of course, I am not one who has to posess every song I ever hear. I wouldn't know what to do with a 10,000 song library.
iTunes suits me, perfectly.
Tim
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Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. |
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| said by timcuth:The others all wanted fairly large monthly fees. With iTunes, I can download ten songs or one song or zero songs per month and I only pay for what I use. that is not true at all. no online music service charges a monthly fee to purchase music. in some cases they even charge less than Itunes for downloads.
the services that charge a monthly fee are subscription services. these are different that a pay per download service like Itunes. this is a service that is not available with itunes or an ipod. |
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SunsetstripGo KingsPremium,MVM
join:2000-07-08
West Hollywood, CA | reply to timcuth
In case you missed the front page news from last week »iTunes to End Flat Pricing? this might change your view on the value of iTunes |
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timcuthBraves FanPremium
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL Reviews:
·AT&T Southeast
| It might (and I knew about it). But, it hasn't happened, yet. And, if it does, I can just use the iPod for ripped CD's.
Everything changes, but right now I am a satisfied customer.
Tim
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Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. |
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| reply to GilbertMark
said by GilbertMark:An iPod is more than just something that plays music. When coupled with the iTunes software and music store, it really shines. I agree with you about the iTunes/iPod relationship. My circa-2002 iPod was my 4th MP3 player - two of the previous ones had been Creative players and they had some of the worst bloatware/creepy software. It was painful, and honestly, the software was probably one of the reasons I didn't update my player that often, which in turn caused me to stop carrying my player with me in the first place.
I assume Creative has gotten their act together.
»www.cexx.org/newsupd.htm
iTunes, while not perfect, is a straightforward and elegant interface for your music, player, and online music purchases (if you want to do that).
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