An Ipod Alternative? What Do You Guys Think?

[Harvey19]

I ask this because at the moment I'm using an 8GB 2G iPod Touch, which simply isn't big enough to hold my iTunes library! I have over 12GB of music and am deprived from listening to this whilst on the road as I simply can't fit it all on my iPod. So the question is; what is a cheaper alternative to the iPod? I've thought about buying a large capacity USB stick but wondered if whether the music will be controlled in the same way that the iPod is controlled? (via the on board computer) And if so will I have full functionality of it? E.g. Shuffle, repeat, playlists.

p.s I am considering buying a 30GB 5G iPod Video but these still cost around £70 used!

Let me know what you all think! :D

[Al J]

I'm thinking why do you need your entire music library in your Fiesta? That's one heck of a road trip! B)

My iTunes library is over 43Gb and that's not everything I possess, so not even contemplating getting it all in the car.

Still learning how to set up my Fiesta's toys but I'm trying out an 8Gb USB stick in it tomorrow. Will get back to you.

[Harvey19]

Indeed that is a good question! Simply because I like the feeling of knowing all my music is there if I need it. I also hate it when I go to play an artist and I realise I didn't sync their music as I thought I'd never bother listening to it again, quite petty but I suppose I'll have to get used to limiting my library down to the gems!

Awesome, let me know how that goes buddy ;)

[Amberes]

Why not try a portable harddisk with usb connection ?

[Harvey19]

Yea a mate suggested that but do you know if I'll still have the option for playlists, shuffle etc?

[pikestones]

Not really my specialist subject these things,but would it not be possible just to buy another 8gb touch and keep both in the car,after all they are very small.

Dave

[Chris Ecc]

My ipod recently broke so whilst i'm waiting for it to be repaired im using a memory stick I can't wait to get the ipod back in the fez for one main reason;

1. Itunes automatically syncs all the music and when in the fez you can search by artist, album, playlist, etc, etc with a memory stick you can only see it on the screen in the way you have personally organised it in folders =/ Only a little thing but when your used to the ipod for 9 or so months its annoying!

[Al J]

Right! I've spent a fair bit of time today moving from laptop to car and back again, each time with USB stick in hand. First of all, make sure your music is actually encoded as mp3 files, AAC mp4a files (Apple iTunes default encoding choice) won't work. It's easy enough to make mp3 versions from within iTunes anyway.

The car's display works fine, recognising the folders and tracks. Hitting the info button gives you artist and other details as well. You can shuffle everything on the stick or in a folder so no probs there.

Apparently you can name the folders (Ford1, Ford2, etc.) and then voice activation will know how to play them. I don't think you can get it to play folders named by artist, which is sort of understandable, if disappointing.

You can create playlists but I've not got that far yet and they still need Ford names so a bit pointless. "Ford4.m4u" doesn't tell you if it's rock, metal or granny's favourites!

That's as far as I've got but it looks like a bigger iPod or a USB drive would be better suited for your needs. As for me, I'm going to fill the USB stick and be thankful I don't have to wonder where to store CDs in a car with not that much storage space! ;)

Al

[Harvey19]

Cheers for the response my friend! USB sounds just as good but I think I'll just play it safe and go for the iPod route. Suppose paying that little bit extra is worth it ;)