faster way of importing cd's into Itunes

[jocalabr]

Hi All.

I just got a new Ipod and I am loving it, but I have a problem.

I have hundreds upon hundreds of cd's and to put one cd at a time into the computer and import them into Itunes so I can put them into my ipod is taking way too long. I don't have a lot of time to sit in front of the computer and babysit the cd tray and I would like to have my Ipod filled up so I can start enjoying my entire music collection.

Is there a way to do it quicker other than buying some expensive piece of hardware, or is there a service out there that can do it for me? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Joe

[S2_Mac]

Well, you can set a pref that automatically starts importing when a CD is inserted. Preferences>General>Importing, select "Import CD and Eject" from popup menu. (If you've got a tray-based CD drive that sucks the tray back in after a minute or two of inattention, you p'bly want to use the vanilla "Import CD" setting.)

There's a couple of ripping programs that can handle numerous CD drives simultaneously (if your hardware is up to it); use Google

There's gobs of CD-ripping services; p'bly cost you as much as the fancy hardware.

[cjmnews]

Turn up the audio so you can hear the completion beep and go do something else and only go back to swap CDs. That's what I did. Got my whole collection in 4 days.

[bobb-mini]

Look man, u don't HAVE to do it in one sitting. Just do enuff to make u happy, then....

As mentioned u can PAY someone to do it. Lots of shops don't mind taking yr $.

U can try to purchase a 500 CD changer, again $$$.

It's just money, that's all.

[jasn]

I agree with all said above, as I too went through the tedious process of loading about 800 CDs over the course of two weeks.

What I will add is that you should give some careful thought beforehand as to how you want your music imported: like bit rate, MP3 vs AAC, file location, setting up itunes to categorize your music, etc. and most importantly, backing up your files. You will realize all if this as you go, if not immediately after you've gone through the task, and you absolutely will not want to do it again.

Given the large library you have, I expect you are also into good sound quality and nice equipment. So, in the long run, I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry and wind up selling yourself short in these crucial steps.

[bobb-mini]

Exactly what jasn says.

Another reason not to do it in one siting is.... are u SURE ur doing it the RIGHT way?

So do a few, then if yer not happy, or u find out u could be happier, u won't have to re-do the 5,000, just the 15.

Even b4r star ripping, be sure enuff HD space, else, go out to buy more storage. Recommended.