New user, 3G iPod connection Q's

[Johnny J]

Okay, my mum will be heading over to America next week (I live in Australia), and picking up some iPods for us.

These are the 20gb ones.

My current setup is Windows XP, and USB 1.1

When my mum brings the iPod home, will I be able to put songs on it, using what I have got and what the iPod comes with?

Will it be slow? Or will I not have the proper equipment to do it at all?

I have read threads about needing either USB 2.0, or Firewire.

I like the firewire option, and found this card:

http://www.techbuy.com.au/products/36498/FIREWIRE/Verbatim/KW1582V/Kouwell_PCI_FireWire_Card_3_Ports.asp

I am really not up to date with Firewire technology (nor USB for that matter), and would like to know, if this is the right type of card?

Is this card compatible with iPods?


Thanks greatly to all that respond, I am really not sure.


John

[Elithrar]

Which iPod will your Mom pick-up? The 3G, or the just-released 4G? (4th-generation).

If it's the 3G, you will need either the FireWire card (yes, it's the right type), or the USB + FireWire cable (http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore?productLearnMore=M9126G/A), for another $35.

The best bet is to have your Mom pick-up the latest, 4G iPod with the Click Wheel, lest you like the Touch Wheel as I do. It comes with separate USB & FireWire cables, so you won't need to buy anything to get it working.

With USB 1.1, though, it will be slow. You don't need it, but you often only upload a heap of songs when you first get it, and only a few every week or so.

Grab iTunes 4.6 from http://www.apple.com.au/itunes/download/ , and organise your music collection and learn how to use it, so you can just charge your iPod, sync, and run.

[Johnny J]

Oh sorry, I could have sworn I wrote what model it was.

Anyway, it is the 3G model. We found the good prices on Amazon, so we payed for it with our card, and sent it to our friends in America, mum will pick them up from there.

I was a bit hesistant about getting the 3G with the 4G coming up, but after seeing it and reading about it, I honestly think the 3G looks better. The battery length doesn't really worry me, as I will not be using it for 8 hours solid without recharging.


I have thought about getting iTunes before it comes here, but wasn't sure where to download it, and if it would be the same version as my iPod. I think I will download it very soon though.

I think I might order that card, and try and make sure I have everything up and running before my mum gets back.

Thanks for the help mate.

John