[RayChuang88]

The iPod is neat but:

1. If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod.

2. Apple should offer a separate battery charger for their newest iPod models at extremely low cost--a lot of people don't want to hog a USB port just to charge the unit.

[RegulatorCountry]

" If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod."

Complicated? Finicky? I'm on a Mac, and it's just drag and drop onto the icon. What's to learn?

[Keeper of the Turf]

1. If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod.

If you're a PC user, you can skip iTunes alltogether and use xPlay, which will allow you to manage your iPod through Windows Explorer. It works great.

http://www.mediafour.com/products/xplay/

[Glenn]

1. If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod.

Check. Complicated software.

Did you know that the new iTunes spys on you? It's true! The mini-store sends back information about what you are playing. You have to turn it off to be safe from Apple's prying eyes.

I am waiting for the lawsuits. There's gold in Apple HQ, I've heard.

[antiRepublicrat]

1. If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod.

I've used most of the computer mp3 players/music managers on the market since the late 90s, and I settled on iTunes for Windows as the best. I've now been using it longer than I've used any other.

2. Apple should offer a separate battery charger for their newest iPod models at extremely low cost

Apple already sells one, but it's their usual well-designed deal, and you pay for it, $29. Apple did count too much on people leaving their iPods plugged in to the computer for charging. But you can get one for under $10 that looks like a standard AC adapter with a cable.

[Terpfen]

iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software

You haven't used Creative's programs, I see. iTunes is great compared to that crap, and loading your music onto the iPod is as simple as hitting the Sync iPod option.

[steve-b]

If you're a PC user you have to learn how to use iTunes, a fairly complicated and finicky piece of software, just to copy music to the iPod.

There are also third party software packages like EphPod. Some of them will allow you to copy tracks from the iPod (you're a grownup, and are responsible for your own decision to obey or break the law).

Apple should offer a separate battery charger for their newest iPod models at extremely low cost--a lot of people don't want to hog a USB port just to charge the unit.

You can get on-the-go USB chargers (basically, a box with a USB port and connections for four AA rechargeable batteries) for about $20. NOTE: There are also devices that work in the opposite way (insert four AA rechargeables and plug the cable from the box into a USB port to charge the batteries); check the description carefully to make sure you're getting what you're looking for.