iPods, MP3 players and home iPod player system

[ERU]

Hi all,
My partner has been bought a iPod dock player but does not have an iPod put in it. I've NEVER owned anything from Apple but I am aware of different generations doing different things. What is the best MP3 player to get for it? Most of my 'backup' MP3 files are kept on my computer and I'd like to use them. I have zero intention of installing iTunes, so will need/want something that is simple to plug in (no drivers) and copy'n'paste into. What should I buy? Does an iPod dock adapter exist?

[ERU]

It's a Sony Micro Hi-Fi component system CMT-BX70DBi

[b0redom]

Why not just buy a cheap iPod? Seriously I can see this being a world of hurt otherwise.

[ERU]

Why not just buy a cheap iPod? Seriously I can see this being a world of hurt otherwise.

Will I have to get iTunes? Will I be able to play the MP3s on my computer?

[kalniel]

Yes and yes.

[ERU]

Ok, what is a good suggestion (2nd hand is also ok) for something up to or around about £100 ?

[kalniel]

The simplest to use would be a second hand iPod touch (from 3rd gen S onwards) as you could set this to wirelessly sync so wouldn't even need to plug it into your computer (assuming the dock also charges and you have a wireless network set up for the computer). But if you don't mind taking it off the dock and attaching it to the computer when you want to update the songs then anything will do, just get a capacity to match the size of song data you have.

If the ipod is controlled by the dock then an ipod shuffle 2gb is £40 new from apple themselves.

[ERU]

If the ipod is controlled by the dock then an ipod shuffle 2gb is £40 new from apple themselves.

Thanks for the reply. Ok i'll start looking for an iPod 'anything'. I was looking at the Shuffles in PCWorld the other day but couldn't see how it would sit on the dock. Is this any good:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iPod...item3379866db8

[kalniel]

They have a slot like port on the bottom of them. The dock has a connector that fits into this port.

That's an ipod anything, though I'd be slightly wary of anything 'seller refurbished' - look up what their A- grade means and use your judgement.

[b0redom]

Apple do a refurb store on their website. It's a fairly hefty discount, and you can't tell the products from new (except for the external packaging) IMO.

[peterb]

You don't have to use itunes - if you are running a Linux based system. There are several utilities and music based programmes that allow you to sync music from your computer to an iPod.

[ERU]

I just bought a 8gb iPod touch (2nd/3rd Gen) for at a local dodgy shop for £78. It comes with a 12 month warranty, so seems to fit the bill fine. I'm sure I could of got it cheaper online but we fly off for 3 weeks in Crete on Thursday