Back in the days before I used a laptop, I had some backing trax and audio files on Mini Disks. This was a terrific format - solid, stable, small ...... a great way to enhance the live stuff and handle DJ breaks.
I had one small problem though because I used to velcrow the player right on top of my keyboard, ( X1 back then )and teh vibrations from the speakers caused some erratic jumping during playback. I suppose it was because the MDs are magnetic based?

Anyway, my question to you iPoders is this:
Has there been any type of interferance, or glitches, or skips with these units? Do you ever rest the unit right on the kb? Do you have speakers in your kb?

OK, that's 3 questions. Sorry

The only reason for me to switch from the laptop would be if I could MOUNT this unit on the kb for even more portability. If there is a problem doing this, then the advantage is lost for me.
The laptop just works SO perfectly.
80-100 song titles in view at once. Folders in catagories all open and waiting for that "click" to arms. It's just too efficient to give up unless something really radical comes along.

dave, why not design a small ipod holder like the one we have for laptops on the X-stand somehow? I remember those Samsung Midi disc players we used to use on stage....the wheel navagation is very nice

LIke I said for now I ned it for backup in case the LT goes down.....but who knows it might be possible to Use the ipod or Zen in a realtime situation eliminating the LT altogether making our rigs even "smaller"

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-15-2004).]

A friend of mine has bought an iRiver and is very happy with it.
So maybe you can look at it also.
http://www.iriveramerica.com/

Jan

Donny: CALM DOWN !

Though Apple does indeed offers & encourages you to use THEIR battery replacement program (more $ for them right?), you CAN purchase and replace the battery yourself quite easily yourself. In fact, I know friends who have:
http://www.ipodbattery.com/
http://www.ipodbattery.com/ipod2k4install.htm



NOPE, I never have to worry about losing all my songs on my iPod for whatever reason, as with iTunes (iPod software manager), my everchanging & growing iPod song database (5000+ songs) is automatically kept backed up (synced) on my PC hard drive and stored on remote CD/DVD as well. If the iPod HD ever crashes or if my iPod ever gets stolen (heaven forbid ), I can quickly & easily get EVERYTHING back onto another iPod with a touch of a mouse click. Apple's got you covered.

Scott

Explain this i-tune thingy....I have no need for it I already have 5000 songs on my PC ready to load....


[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-15-2004).]

Gig Guys, the iPod is of course NOT A REPLACEMENT for a laptop. It can't display lyrics or play midi files, but what it DOES do: store, organize, and QUICKLY locate and play MP3 files with EASE & SIMPLICITY, is UNSURPASSED by any other MP3 player out there, bar none. Yes, the iPod may cost more than the competition, but I've researched and tried the others and their interfaces feel clumsy & awkward in comparison. Well worth the extra expense to me. I continue to be a VERY HAPPY iPod owner. - Scott

This worries my alot also Scott.....

That's a great and timely question. The 20GB Zen Touch takes the Creative line of hard drive players to a new level, thanks to the innovative and functional touch pad. It also looks and feels better than Zens of the past, and it has a battery life of nearly 27 hours. The Zen Touch will be a force, especially at $250. These days, you can get a 20GB iPod for less than $300, and it even includes a USB cable in the box. As for battery life, CNET Labs was able to get nearly 14 hours out of the iPod. Perhaps the deciding factor for you should be whether you already have a collection of WMA files, as they won't play on an iPod. (iTunes will convert your unprotected WMA files into iPod-friendly AAC files. Just remember that this conversion process will lower the quality of the original WMA files.)
http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/Music/4521-6532_7-5021434-3.html?tag=more



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-15-2004).]

I put my Jukebox 3 on top of the keyboard a lot and it always works flawlessly. I record myself almost every night, using the internal battery. No need to take a power adapter. It will RECORD up to 6 or 7 hours. No telling how long it would play. And I don't even have the optional second battery. It records in your choice of several WAV or MP3 formats, and easily transfers to computer via the free program and USB. You can organize play lists easily.
I recharge the batteries in my car as I listen to the recordings on the way home. It also comes with AC Adapter/charger.
The Zen will most likely do everything you want, but it doesn't record.
Creative has wonderful customer support and issues software upgrades periodically. They are still supporting the orginal Jukebox 1, which has to be 5 years old by now.
DonM

For more on the iPod: http://www.ipodlounge.com/

The thing I like about the iPod is similar to the reason I like Yamaha arrangers. User friendly navigation, terrific sound, and most importantly, a HUGE user SUPPORT community. Check this out for EVERYTHING you need to know about iPod:http://www.ipodlounge.com/

As far as ripping format of choice, WMA and AA (apple) files unfortunately can only be played on specific brands/models of players, so I stay with MP3 format because it's remains the UNIVERSAL format supported by ALL brands of MP3 players. I ALWAYS rip at 192 kpbs for the best sound vs compression size, and use EAC: http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

Scott