iPod Newbie: what encoding/case/accesories

[s_t_o_o]

Hi All,

Just got a 30GB Video iPod and having never had an iPod before I've got a couple of questions if you have any suggestions.

Encoding. The default on iTunes was AAC i think, but I was thinking MP3 at 128kbps as I thought MP3 is a more compatible format and 128kbps is supposed to be CD Quality. Anyone compared the different formats and like to comment? Looking for the right balance between quality and track size.

Cases. Already got a few scratches on it so thought I should get a case/skin for it. After searching on the net, it looks like the iSkin Evo3 is quite highly rated. I have a black iPod and was thinking the Artic Clear iSkin would be pretty neat on it. Anyone got one or can suggest other ones? Dont want anything bulky and I want to be able to see the screen and use the click-wheel.

Accesories. Any other must have accessories out there? Just got a Griffin charger/fm tuner for the car which seems pretty neat. Not too bothered about docking stations. Could do with a car holder.

Cheers

[Wrekognized]

Hey, welcome to the Lounge.

Anyways, it all depends on YOU buddy. Personally, I try and keep my songs on 192kbps, because it's a high quality with the tracks not being so big as 320kbps. On the Case/Skin question, like I said before, it depends on what fits you. The iSkin can scratch my pretty lil' gizmo here, so I passed on it. But there's different types of cases/skin out there for your personal preferrence. The accesories? I just mosly stare at them for awhile if I see a new First Look here on the forum, then I close the window I don't really need accesories..

[RedApple]

iSkin evo3 wont scratch it ever.

[n2xe]

I think (and blind listening tests confirm) that AAC sounds much better than MP3. I'm kind of partial to the Agent 18 case--love it.

[Amelie]

Originally posted by RedApple
iSkin evo3 wont scratch it ever.

Yes, it will, when the lint and dust it attracts scrapes your iPod when you pull it out.

[RedApple]

Thats why you brush it off to put it in. i wouldnt ever remove it anyway

[s_t_o_o]

Cheers for that. I'm mainly going to use it in the car so I dont need the best case in the world, just something to keep it relatively scratch-free. The Agent 18 case looks pretty neat, cheers I'll check it out and compare it a little more with the iSkin! I want a case thats a bit see thru so you can see the black iPod in all it's beauty, no problem then for the Agent 18 and I guess the Arctic Clear iSkin will do the job too.

[Amelie]

Originally posted by RedApple
Thats why you brush it off to put it in. i wouldnt ever remove it anyway

You will have to remove it when the lint and dust that silicone case attracts make your unit look dirty.

[s_t_o_o]

Cheers for the advice. In the end I went with the Agent18 Case as it shows off the iPod a bit more and isnt prone to attracting dust as much by the sounds of it. I did read one query about heat build-up with such a case but I thought I'd give it a go. Just awaiting delivery now.

[awheewall]

I use 128K MP3 and it sounds just fine to me. More bits mean more space taken up and more battery use to decode them. I'm sure some people can tell the difference between this and higher bit rates, but I've done tests and I can't. I'm also sure that lot of people are snobby in this area and will rubbish 128K when actually they can't actually tell the difference. Try it out for yourself. But do stick with MP3, as MP3 format has no DRM at all, whereas you never know what might be lurking in an AAC file. Plus all DAPs play MP3, so you will never be locked in to one manufacturer.

[sxm]

i use 192kbps for mp3s and 128kbps for videos

i use the zcover skin.

[lkalliance]

My understanding is that AAC is no less portable than MP3...it's an open format. I'm no audio pro...128kbps MP3 sounds fine to me, though I can tell the difference when comparing to the original CD.