Preparing for the (i)pod!!!!

[AKdude]

Hi all!!

I am eagerly expecting my very first mp3 player... the 30gb ipod...it should be here in the next couple of days!!
Anyway, as a pc owner and new ipod user I just wanted to be completely prepared for the little beauty when it arrives!!! This would save me from a lot of 'first time user' blues!!

I use a Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop which does not have a firewire port. From reading alot of previous topics here, I have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do would be to either get a PCIMCIA firewire card that has external power or use one with two (6 pin) ports so that I can connect the ipod to one and the adaptor to the other. IS THIS RIGHT? Please let me know if what I'm saying is all bull!! Also, is BestBuy a good place to shop for one? I live in Anhcorage and I prefer the service at BEstbuy to CompUSA here!!

Second, I have already downloaded ephpod and intend to use it in place of the MMJ software that comes with the ipod.

Any suggestions regarding what I need to do from the moment I open up the box would be greatly appreciated !!!!!

Once again, thanks for all the very helpful, informative posts that keep us newbies alive!!
Looking forward to the 'little white wonder' !!:D

AKdude

[godcha]

Originally posted by AKdude
Anhcorage
Michelle [Short Sharp] Shocked immediately came to mind, when reading your hometown :D

Make sure you [ID3] tag your mp3s proper & full. Also make sure to use a good front/end with LAME at a good setting for ripping cds. I use EAC + LAME3.90.3 with setting: --alt-preset standard, which is a VBR at around 192 kbits average.