Working on my Shakespeare collection now.
Posted on 05/07/2005 11:28:05 AM PDT by ambrose
What I like about using my PDA as a music player is that it will allow my calendar program to pop in over the music and remind me about appointments or meetings.
I am very surprised MS did not emphasis this UNDER used feature of their PocketPC system.
I view the Ipod (and mp3 players, as just neutered computers. The Ipod more so since it is Itunes dependent)
The iPod comes with cheap headphones. I recently purchased Sony V600s, and the sound that comes out of them is outstanding. I suppose someone with ultra sensitive ears will claim to tell a difference, but I'd like to see Audiophiles who make this claim blindfold tested under lab conditions.
It all depends on the file, on my PDA i have CD quality if I want it. (usually only for certain songs)
I've got more than 3 times that many CDs at work, which is about 1/15 of my collection, then there's the LPs and cassettes. With half way descent organization I've got access to my CDs at least as easily as an iPod, and don't have to futz with things to listen to them in album order (which is generally better, at least with artists that have been around a while and know how to construct an album).
I see iPods as pretty handy for your casual music listener, but completely worthless for somebody like me.
Does the PDA organize the music by album/artist/genre/etc.? The iPod software is one the biggest selling point, in my opinion.
Working on my Shakespeare collection now.
My palm Tunsten E will also play MP3s. PDAs are very cool for the computer-saavy. For some they are impossible.
I don't have a negative view of music-only devices. The are the 21st century equivalent of the Walkman. If people are willing to pay for such, that's capitalism at work.
I like capitalism.
No doubt the headphones make a huge difference. But it's very clear to me that compressed audio just isn't the same as real audio. The dynamic range is audibly reduced as well as the detail in the top end. I don't perceive it as a trivial difference at all.
Of course, there are different degrees of compression. Some compression just totally kills the music, but I guess there are other types that are probably pretty transparent.
Like I said to rdb3, I'm just going to take a listen to an iPod some time.
As good as or better, but definitely not worse. Most files played from a CD in your computer are at 96 to 128Kbps. All of mine in my iPod are at 160 or 192Kbps. You will hear that difference quickly.
You can rip your CDs for that bitrate, and the iPod will play it just like that. Sometimes, however, ripping a CD at a higher bitrate won't make a bit of difference, especially with older CDs.
Is that an option on an iPod? Like can you opt out of the data compression in exchange for reduced recording time?
Some people hate to be alone with their own thoughts...not surprising when you think about it.
FYI, Audible is currently offering a 10 books for $120 "gift certificate". There is nothing to keep one from buying the certificate and then giving the certificate to himself. I've done that in the past.
But I gather that there's some compression in the storage/playback chain somewhere -- and my impression is that it's always "on" in an iPod. The compression can't be gotten around.
I'm guessing that even though the original file may have been recorded at a higher bit rate, the compressed version that gets stored on the iPod isn't at that high of a bit rate.
But I could be completely wrong on this.
You are preaching to the Choir.
I actually find the Pocket PC system is pretty simple I just like being able to carry more with me. Now if only they would make them super smaller into wrist size and then with an expanding or holographic screen.
sorry, I don't know.
"Some people hate to be alone with their own thoughts...not surprising when you think about it."
Never looked at it that way...but it sure explains a lot where my teen is concerned. ;)
I just bought one for my daughter for her 16th B'day.
It was cheaper than a car. So I love 'em.
Keep that in mind when you go to any college campus and about every third person has the white ear buds in.
Your teens are probably listening to iPods so they don't have to interact with you. (no offense meant, but I assume you know what I mean.)
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