Big PC Geek Tech Blog

I have been asked repeatedly how to put music that was purchased in iTunes into another music device other than an ipod such as a Zen, Zune, Sansa etc. The process is pretty Simple.

First, burn the music in iTunes onto an audio CD. Make a playlist if necessary, then click the burn CD button at the bottom of iTunes.

Second, open up the software that you wish to use to sync with your non-ipod device like Windows Media player.

Third, rip the music you just burned into the new players software.

You will now notice that you can sync the music on that was on the CD freely with the device you want. The type of file, mp3, ogg, etc. is up to you.

Some people ask me what type of MP3 player to get for themselves or for their kids. Usually, the question is, "should I get an iPod Nano or the iPod?" Most people are tempted to go with the full iPod because you just get more storage for the price.

My answer is: Depends on what you are going to do and how you are going to treat it. If you are getting the MP3 player for you kid or are going to use it while you are active, ie. the gym or jogging, you want to go with the Nano; but, if you are going to hoop it up to your car or use it while on a plane or home, go with the full blown iPod.

I have mentioned this sometime before but it is because the Nano uses flash memory and the full size iPods use a hard drive. MP3 players with flash memory have no moving parts and tend to take a beating much better than a music player with a hard drive. The full size iPod has a mechanical magnetic arm inside that can easily break when dropped hard enough or numerous times. Yes, when you think of price per GB or Gigabyte, the Nano is going to be much more money than the full size iPod but chances are it will last much longer when used by an active person or a child.