[SamAdams76]

The Smart Playlist functionality has turned out to be my favorite feature of the iPod.

For example, I have several full-length operas on my iPod but I don't like some random aria popping up when I shuffle my music. So I just create a Smart Playlist that blocks all classical music. I also have a Smart Playlist that plays nothing but songs with 4 or 5 stars in the Rock genre and a Smart Playlist that only plays pop music from the years 1974-1979.

The combinations are endless.

Now I'm loading all the album cover art into iTunes so when I upgrade to the 60GB photo, I'll be ready.

[SaveTheChief]

Ah. I don't shuffle anything for the very same reason. I am glad to hear of a way to work around that problem! Random shuffles are great because of the surprise factor, but nothing can ruin the energy and anticipation of a good random rock music shuffle like something along the lines of the Barber Adagio!

Classical music and opera are different beasts anyway. I could never get into hearing different parts of different musical works jumbled together in one shuffle.

I'll have to play with the smart playlists some more to see if I can accomplish what you have.