why should I get an ipod over a...

[Gordon]

the 140 is over $400 and on back order.

[George]

the 140 is over $400 and on back order.

Hmm.  It is a great sounding player and you can use it to record too.  It's up to you.  I've heard my sister's 5th Gen iPod, it sounds good, but I prefer the crispiness of my iRiver and I really cannot stand the interface on the iPod.

[BobW]

Is there a good app to batch process flacs to mp3 or other iPOD-capable files
(The iPOD does play mp3s, doesn't it ?)

Sorry about my portable newbiness, Jersey = automobiles, regrettably
I burn 15-20 CDs a week for car listening.

[Brian Skalinder]

Is there a good app to batch process flacs to mp3 or other iPOD-capable files
(The iPOD does play mp3s, doesn't it ?)

dBpowerAMP Music Converter.  Great little app.

[Gordon]

Is there a good app to batch process flacs to mp3 or other iPOD-capable files
(The iPOD does play mp3s, doesn't it ?)

dBpowerAMP Music Converter.  Great little app.

hell yea it is.  I love it.

[Gordon]

I ended up getting a refurbished creative zen nx 30 gig for $140.  it's a start.  fwi there are more on ebay.

[Chuck]

What do the stock iPod ear speakers sound like? I'm looking for a truly portable set of ear buds/speakers to use for checking things while recording. I'm looking for something cheap that sounds good. I've looked into the ER6's and don't think I can deal with the way they have to be inserted.

[Brian Skalinder]

What do the stock iPod ear speakers sound like? I'm looking for a truly portable set of ear buds/speakers to use for checking things while recording. I'm looking for something cheap that sounds good. I've looked into the ER6's and don't think I can deal with the way they have to be inserted.

What exactly do you want to "check" while recording?  Most headphones will require you to use excessive, ear-damaging volume in order to hear the recording over the PA.  I don't think earbuds will cut it for monitoring while the music's playing.

The in-ear 'phones are surprisingly comfortable, especially when I used the foam tips.  Easy and quick to do, too.  And if comfort's a concern, get custom molded plugs for double duty:  earplugs and earphones. 

[Chuck]

What do the stock iPod ear speakers sound like? I'm looking for a truly portable set of ear buds/speakers to use for checking things while recording. I'm looking for something cheap that sounds good. I've looked into the ER6's and don't think I can deal with the way they have to be inserted.

What exactly do you want to "check" while recording?  Most headphones will require you to use excessive, ear-damaging volume in order to hear the recording over the PA.  I don't think earbuds will cut it for monitoring while the music's playing.

The in-ear 'phones are surprisingly comfortable, especially when I used the foam tips.  Easy and quick to do, too.  And if comfort's a concern, get custom molded plugs for double duty:  earplugs and earphones. 

I sometimes check the recording balance between sets on headphones. I use some cheapy Sony over the ear Walkman style headphones now. I want something that is easier to pack. I've seen the in ear buds that come with the iPod and thought those look like just the right thing for me. I've never heard what they sound like though.

Brian, what ear phones do you use the ER6's? I actually do have some custom earplugs made by my audiologist. I have a pair that can be modded for In-ear monitoring if/when I want to spend the $$$.

[Brian Skalinder]

I sometimes check the recording balance between sets on headphones. I use some cheapy Sony over the ear Walkman style headphones now. I want something that is easier to pack. I've seen the in ear buds that come with the iPod and thought those look like just the right thing for me. I've never heard what they sound like though.

Ah, if you're just checking between sets, then any old earbud 'phones will probably work, after all.

Brian, what ear phones do you use the ER6's? I actually do have some custom earplugs made by my audiologist. I have a pair that can be modded for In-ear monitoring if/when I want to spend the $$$.

I have the Etymotic ER-6.  They fit right into my custom molded earplugs.  The ER-6i, ER-4, Shure ExC, etc. won't fit.  You may want to ask your audiologist if your plugs will accept the ER-6.  Only hassle I can see going that route is you'd have to swap filters/'phones between sets.  But if you have a second pair of plugs, then maybe you can forego that hassle.