BTW - I'm under the impression that you must load an mp3 into an ipod through it's software, which just dosen't drop it on the drive, but does some conversion of it.
It will not play them if you do attempt to just put in on as you would any other file.
My little creative looks and acts like a flash drive, just toss them on from any comp and play - no software needed.
You are right in that an iPod works as a download device that is dependent on a library on a host computer somewhere.
Theoretically, this is a one-way proposition - from the computer to the iPod and not the other waay round. That's to limit the possibilities for music sharing. There is software easily available that lets you move songs from an iPod to a computer.
I am not aware of any "conversion" that takes place in the downloading process.
It may be that personal preference for not using a music organizer like iTunes would lead a consumer away from the iPod. Hey, personal preference is the sine qua non of the open marketplace. I have owned a number of mp3 players over the years. I like the iPod for its ease of use and its enormous storage potential. I'm sure there are others equally good, and with features more pleasing to some buyers.
That suits me fine.