mp3 Software

[Raptor9]

I'm curious how you all transfer your music from your computer to your MP3 player. Is it typical to have to use a specific program for your player (such as itunes with the ipod), or do most HDD-based players have some kind of removable disk function which allows them to be recognized as an external hard drive? Also, what kind of all-purpose programs are out there that support transfer to many different types of players. Windows Media Player?

 

[antsct]

Do you have an mp3 player that you already have or are you thinking of purchasing one?

Alot of players, especailly the ones that use flash memory, have a removable disk function where as some players like the large capacity hard drive players require the use of specific software. Windows Media Player is good for devices that support Microsoft's MTP protocol.

 

[Raptor9]

I'm thinking of buying a HDD player, and I'd like to be able to take music off my friends computers.

 

[Lonyo]

iRiver (or at least the older models) just act as a removable HDD so require no software (other than basic Windows drivers).
Makes getting songs super easy.

 

[corkyg]

I create my own MP3 file from CDs using Audiograbber and RazorLAME. Then it is a simple matter of transferring them to my MP3 player (Creative Zen Vision) That can be done by CompactFlash card or USB link - hard drive to hard drive after installing the Creative linking software.

But the slickest is to just copy about 8 CDs worth of MP3 files to a 1 GB CompactFlash in my desktop reader/writer - then slip that sucker into the Zen Vision and do a direct transfer to the Zen's 30 GB drive.

 

[phisrow]

I have what now qualifies as an older IRiver, the IHP-140. As far as my OS knows, it is a basic USB mass storage device. The disadvantage is the lack of special device specific sync functions, tight integration and whatnot; but I really like being able to plug it into practically anything and have it just work. ME, 2000, XP, OS9-10.4, pretty much any modern Linux distro, etc. That is nice.

 

[modedepe]

Both my iAudio M3 and my iRiver iHp-120 can be used as a mass storage device, so I can just plug them in and they're good to go, no software neeeded.

 

[Ghouler]

if you do not want hassle with software beware of sony.
Despise it's sexy look

With most other players there are ways to get contents on without specific software:
they either work as mass storage or as MTP device meaning WMP10 is all you need to transfer files onto the device. Some devices have special storage mode. My Creative Zen Micro works like that for example.

All in all I would not worry about this point too much. Look at battery life, inclusion of FM radio - if that matters, build quality, fame for bugs and such...

What players did you look at so far?
Cowon's A2 looks like an ultimate mp3 player
to me at the moment.