To those savvy in MP3 and IPOD

katkitty · 01-07-2007, 01:55 PM

I finally built up my CD collection to replace my cassette tape collection (remember those??). Now, if I believe the hype around me, it seems that there is a new media on the horizon that is bound and determined to make my CD collection obsolete.

To those savvy in MP3 and IPOD, should I be concerned? Will CDs become a dinosaur such as tapes are now? I just can't part with my "old" songs...so, with that said, should I begin to transition to this new format?

If so, please explain how/where I would begin... I hope I'm not asking for the moon, I really just want to understand if I need to hop on this bandwagon, whether I would go with MP3 or IPOD (or, are they the same thing???), what component I would need to buy first, what component I would need to buy next, etc. etc.

I very much appreciate any input!

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Leo · 01-07-2007, 06:27 PM

I don't think CDs are going away any time soon. It still has very real advantages over online music services: the selection is better than you'll find on any one music service, the quality can be better, and you're not treated like a would-be pirate. Unfortunately, all three problems are there with digital music.

MP3 and iPod are somewhat different things. MP3 is the universal format when it comes to digital music - everyone plays it - but you can't buy music on that format either. (You can convert your CDs to MP3s using your computer, however.) The iPod, that's Apple's very good music player - which plays MP3s, along with a couple of other formats that are pretty much iPod-only.

You don't really need to hop onto the digital music bandwagon. There are good reasons to - it's certainly much more convenient to carry an iPod than a whole bunch of CDs, but you don't have to worry too much. If your setup works for you, then don't feel pressured to buy anything at all.

Unklescott · 01-07-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo

I don't think CDs are going away any time soon.

I don't know Leo. Check this out.

Quote:

Ford-Microsoft system could kill CDs in cars
New 'Sync' links iPods, other players to in-dash software

By TOM KRISHER
Associated Press

DEARBORN, Mich. — CD players in automobiles could go the way of eight-track tapes with in-dash systems like one Ford Motor Co. and Microsoft Corp. are jointly producing to link cars with cell phones and personal music players.

The "Sync" system, being unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show, connects popular iPods and all other digital music players — including Microsoft's nascent Zune — to in-dash software through a USB port. Drivers will be able to pick songs, artists or genres using voice activation or controls on the steering wheel.

The system also links Bluetooth-capable smart phones and personal digital assistants to the car's electronics, allowing the car system to pick up Internet broadcasts. An electronic voice even will read inbound text messages through the sound system, complete with a vocabulary of slang abbreviations such as "LOL" for "laughing for loud."

Sync ratchets up the car electronics war as the struggling Ford tries to compete with General Motors Corp.'s OnStar system, DaimlerChrysler AG's MyGIG in-dash hard-drive storage system and similar devices offered by other manufacturers.

Ford takes lead in race

The new system gives Ford leadership, at least for now, in what is becoming an increasingly competitive race in cabin electronics, said Kevin Reale, an AMR Research Inc. automotive analyst who has been briefed by Microsoft on the Sync system.

"It's going to give them some competitive differentiation in being able to provide capabilities of personal electronics in the vehicle," said Reale, who predicted that other manufacturers will catch up quickly with other electronics suppliers.

Just last week, Hughes Telematics and DaimlerChrysler teamed up to develop a new system.

The whole race places the CD in danger of extinction. Sync can even take music off a small USB thumb drive, ending the need to fumble with and store multiple CDs.

In fact, Ford already is discussing whether it needs to offer CD players in future models, said Gary Jablonski, the company's manager of infotainment systems.

"Certainly we know there are customers who have migrated their entire personal music collection to a digital realm, in which case, Sync and the USB connection will probably be the only thing in the vehicle that they use," Jablonski said. "Is there a day when the CD player disappears from the vehicle? It seems likely."

1-year exclusive contract

Ford plans to put the system in 12 of its vehicles starting with 2008 models. Company officials say it's likely to be an option that costs less than $1,000.

The car company said it has an exclusive contract with Microsoft for one year, after which the system can be sold to other automakers.

The system is designed so it is linked to all car electronics and promises to be flexible enough to handle devices yet to be invented. Sync someday could include laptop computer links, vehicle diagnostics and even voice reading of Web sites, Jablonski said.

"Phones last with a customer about 18 months. Our cars last a lot longer than 18 months," he said. "We want to make sure that the car stays relevant, compatible with what the customer is using."

Engineers saw the need

The system grew out of discussions among Ford engineers who saw the company, like many manufacturers, caught off guard by the iPod phenomenon. Some of its current models don't even have a jack to plug such devices into the sound system.

But Ford vows not to be caught off guard again.

"You'll see a significant shift in the kinds of technologies that Ford's offering and the speed at which they're coming to market," Jablonski said.
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../1317/MTCN0502

Leo · 01-07-2007, 11:27 PM

Well, in cars, digital music players make a great deal of sense: a car is a lousy acoustic environment, and it is not practical to lug around dozens of CDs. It plays to the strengths of the format. But, for home use, I still don't see it. With CDs, I don't have to ask "will it work with this CD player?". With digital players, you do. It's a real mess, to be honest. I stil say: CDs will be around for a while.

Realitychick · 01-07-2007, 11:33 PM

When I was looking for an MP3 player I did a ton of research. I didn't like that IPOD's you could only get your music from one source... and have to constantly pay for it. Plus the video on the IPOD is lacking. i went with a Creative Zen Vision M MP3 player. I LOVE it. And I am not electronic savy. I subscribed to Yahoo Music and get unlimited downloads for a minimal price. Plus I can plug in my player in my car and it plays out of my radio. And the video quality is awesome. But research is a must when purchasing an MP3 Player. But keep you CD's... I don't see them going away anytime soon.

Amy Lee · 01-08-2007, 12:58 AM

I have emusic, i just don't use it.

I hope for the sake of my sanity that cd's don't go away. I actually like having it around even if it's just to take up space. Your mp3s can get corrupted and your player can also wipe them out, sure your cd's can get scratched up but that's if you're not careful. I can always count on a cd. I'm still joyous over own my first portable cd player. Still works 'til this day.

Unklescott · 01-08-2007, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo

It's a real mess, to be honest. I stil say: CDs will be around for a while.

I totally agree with you. I was just playing the devil's advocate on you.

razorbacker · 01-08-2007, 09:13 AM

Hey Unk,

I read that same article that you posted & in my non techie persona, I ended up scratching my head & saying huh? I honestly still don't understand what they are talking about. I buy very few CD's now & have no MP3 player. I think I'll just stick with my XM radio.

11sstephanie · 01-09-2007, 06:16 PM

Yeah, CDs still have... let's see... Christmas was a month ago, so 12-1=11...multiply by the number of songs there are available on iTunes, then divide by the number of times I have wanted to SMASH my iPod against a SOLID BRICK CHIMNEY....

Yeah, they'll be around for a few years at least. But when you do et an MP3 player, DO NOT go with an iPod. Now I know that probably every person in here is going to disagree with me, but it was the worst $300 (American) that I HAVE EVER SPENT. It gives me so much trouble, and Apple won't even listen to me (I've been "escorted" [read: dragged!] out of the store by mall security for wanting a replacement iPod or something worth $300 (American)) I could go on, but what I'm saying is that you don't need to worry about your CDs yet, and when you do, there's a really extensive collection on iTunes (Starting in 1940 I think...), that *should* keep you satisfied.

The one thing that I can say for Apple is that an album that would be $20.00 or more can be purchased for less that $10.00 on iTunes most of the time (hello Nickelback!).

ETA: Yes, an iPod is a type of MP3 player, probably the best known one there is.

ArchieComic Fan · 01-09-2007, 06:22 PM

I opted for the Ipod Shuffle and it seems to be doing okay. Mine is 1 GB and doesn't hold quite as many songs as I'd like but for what I use it for it's fine. I had some problems at first but some of it was user error and Apple has been good about updates to the software. Since my first update I haven't had any problems. If I ever want a fancier model I'd definitely weigh price, reviews, and features before just opting for name brand.

01-07-2007, 01:55 PM	#1
katkitty FORT Fan Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 395	To those savvy in MP3 and IPOD I finally built up my CD collection to replace my cassette tape collection (remember those??). Now, if I believe the hype around me, it seems that there is a new media on the horizon that is bound and determined to make my CD collection obsolete. To those savvy in MP3 and IPOD, should I be concerned? Will CDs become a dinosaur such as tapes are now? I just can't part with my "old" songs...so, with that said, should I begin to transition to this new format? If so, please explain how/where I would begin... I hope I'm not asking for the moon, I really just want to understand if I need to hop on this bandwagon, whether I would go with MP3 or IPOD (or, are they the same thing???), what component I would need to buy first, what component I would need to buy next, etc. etc. I very much appreciate any input!

01-07-2007, 11:33 PM	#5
Realitychick I love carpet Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 1,214	When I was looking for an MP3 player I did a ton of research. I didn't like that IPOD's you could only get your music from one source... and have to constantly pay for it. Plus the video on the IPOD is lacking. i went with a Creative Zen Vision M MP3 player. I LOVE it. And I am not electronic savy. I subscribed to Yahoo Music and get unlimited downloads for a minimal price. Plus I can plug in my player in my car and it plays out of my radio. And the video quality is awesome. But research is a must when purchasing an MP3 Player. But keep you CD's... I don't see them going away anytime soon. __________________ The Buffalo Bills Will Win A Superbowl Someday!!!

01-08-2007, 12:58 AM	#6
Amy Lee He's mine! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: whatever Age: 26 Posts: 5,950	I have emusic, i just don't use it. I hope for the sake of my sanity that cd's don't go away. I actually like having it around even if it's just to take up space. Your mp3s can get corrupted and your player can also wipe them out, sure your cd's can get scratched up but that's if you're not careful. I can always count on a cd. I'm still joyous over own my first portable cd player. Still works 'til this day. __________________ Sunday Mornin' rain is falling...

01-09-2007, 06:16 PM	#9
11sstephanie I Is Stephanie Join Date: Jul 2006 Age: 17 Posts: 1,038	Yeah, CDs still have... let's see... Christmas was a month ago, so 12-1=11...multiply by the number of songs there are available on iTunes, then divide by the number of times I have wanted to SMASH my iPod against a SOLID BRICK CHIMNEY.... Yeah, they'll be around for a few years at least. But when you do et an MP3 player, DO NOT go with an iPod. Now I know that probably every person in here is going to disagree with me, but it was the worst $300 (American) that I HAVE EVER SPENT. It gives me so much trouble, and Apple won't even listen to me (I've been "escorted" [read: dragged!] out of the store by mall security for wanting a replacement iPod or something worth $300 (American)) I could go on, but what I'm saying is that you don't need to worry about your CDs yet, and when you do, there's a really extensive collection on iTunes (Starting in 1940 I think...), that should keep you satisfied. The one thing that I can say for Apple is that an album that would be $20.00 or more can be purchased for less that $10.00 on iTunes most of the time (hello Nickelback!). ETA: Yes, an iPod is a type of MP3 player, probably the best known one there is. __________________ ...And the strange boy continued to weave in and out of her life, leaving her with a sense of wonder and amazment, but also, a feeling of loss, knowing that life might never be the same again. Last edited by 11sstephanie; 01-09-2007 at 06:34 PM.

01-07-2007, 06:27 PM	#2
Leo FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,033	I don't think CDs are going away any time soon. It still has very real advantages over online music services: the selection is better than you'll find on any one music service, the quality can be better, and you're not treated like a would-be pirate. Unfortunately, all three problems are there with digital music. MP3 and iPod are somewhat different things. MP3 is the universal format when it comes to digital music - everyone plays it - but you can't buy music on that format either. (You can convert your CDs to MP3s using your computer, however.) The iPod, that's Apple's very good music player - which plays MP3s, along with a couple of other formats that are pretty much iPod-only. You don't really need to hop onto the digital music bandwagon. There are good reasons to - it's certainly much more convenient to carry an iPod than a whole bunch of CDs, but you don't have to worry too much. If your setup works for you, then don't feel pressured to buy anything at all.

01-07-2007, 11:27 PM	#4
Leo FORT Fogey Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,033	Well, in cars, digital music players make a great deal of sense: a car is a lousy acoustic environment, and it is not practical to lug around dozens of CDs. It plays to the strengths of the format. But, for home use, I still don't see it. With CDs, I don't have to ask "will it work with this CD player?". With digital players, you do. It's a real mess, to be honest. I stil say: CDs will be around for a while.

01-08-2007, 09:13 AM	#8
razorbacker FORT Fogey Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 6,336	Hey Unk, I read that same article that you posted & in my non techie persona, I ended up scratching my head & saying huh? I honestly still don't understand what they are talking about. I buy very few CD's now & have no MP3 player. I think I'll just stick with my XM radio.

01-09-2007, 06:22 PM	#10
ArchieComic Fan Wait, what? Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The Funny Farm Posts: 4,354	I opted for the Ipod Shuffle and it seems to be doing okay. Mine is 1 GB and doesn't hold quite as many songs as I'd like but for what I use it for it's fine. I had some problems at first but some of it was user error and Apple has been good about updates to the software. Since my first update I haven't had any problems. If I ever want a fancier model I'd definitely weigh price, reviews, and features before just opting for name brand.