portable MP3 player that has idiot proof cd-to-player software?

[swbsam]

Actually, my father-in-law's not an idiot and is a brilliant guy, he just doesn't get gadgets the way some of us do. I'm looking to buy him a 2 to 4 gig player that includes a simplified cd-ripping to player software package. Any ideas?

He doesn't plan on purchasing online music, he just wants to rip his existing cd collection.

Thanks!

I have my eye on a sony walkman 2 gig or a sansa fuze, fyi

 

[funkymatt]

dont get him a zune, lol

why not a nano?

 

[andy04]

Originally posted by: funkymatt
dont get him a zune, lol

why not a nano?

The most Idiot proof software for anything is made by Apple - they target Idiots - so IPod is your best bet

 

[Gooberlx2]

What's wrong with a Zune? The software is excellent. Anyway, Zune or iPod/iTunes should both be as idiot-proof as it gets.

IMO, Sony tends to complicate everything (at least they used to) and the Sansa will be slightly more complicated by using WMP instead of the Zune software or iTunes.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: andy04

Originally posted by: funkymatt
dont get him a zune, lol

why not a nano?

The most Idiot proof software for anything is made by Apple - they target Idiots - so IPod is your best bet

Welps, there's a $30-40 price premium based on shopping at a local store.

 

[nakedfrog]

If you set up EAC + LAME for him, it's actually pretty easy to use. Pop in the disc, click the CD icon to get the info, then hit the encode button.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
What's wrong with a Zune? The software is excellent. Anyway, Zune or iPod/iTunes should both be as idiot-proof as it gets.

IMO, Sony tends to complicate everything (at least they used to) and the Sansa will be slightly more complicated by using WMP instead of the Zune software or iTunes.

How's the wireless sync on the zune? I wouldn't be there to do the initial setup for him on the pc (we live on opposite coasts but he's visiting now), could a noob do it alone?

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
If you set up EAC + LAME for him, it's actually pretty easy to use. Pop in the disc, click the CD icon to get the info, then hit the encode button.

That's my method but the extra step of moving the files to the player is where I think he'll trip up.

 

[effowe]

An even easier MP3 ripping program is CDEX, It doesn't have anywhere near the amount of options as EAC and probably encodes at a lower bitrate, but it's pretty much one click convert to MP3's with little to no setup. From there drag and drop into your mp3 player and you should be good to go.