iPod Touch question

[gino_76ph]

ive seen previews and read the features of this amazing gadget. but my question is can you upload MP3 files other than downloaded from the iTunes website? or is it still DRM-locked?

[charleski]

Yes, like any iPod, it'll work with mp3 files, normal aac files or Apple Lossless files just fine.

[gino_76ph]

Yes, like any iPod, it'll work with mp3 files, normal aac files or Apple Lossless files just fine.

would that be "any" ordinary mp3 files even from napster, bearshare or any of those p2p sites?

[charleski]

You are, of course, talking about mp3s from indie bands distributing their work for free because they want to get known...
An mp3 is an mp3, they all work the same.

Napster has been using Microsoft 'plays for sure' DRM for a few years now. They don't use mp3 files and their music won't work with any iPod.

[gino_76ph]

sorry to be a pain but when i mean "any ordinary" mp3 files that's ANY DRM-free mp3 file downloaded from a 3rd party or P2P/peer-to-peer site. do you think the ipod touch can take it?

[Funkstar]

Gino, MP3s file have no provision for DRM, they just don't have any. So yes, the iPod touch and every other iPod can play MP3 files.

Also remember that dicussion of downloading copywrite material from non-official sources (i.e. P2P services) is not allowed on Hexus, they have been very clear on this several times.

[gino_76ph]

thank you. i just wanted to be sure. i never meant to discuss P2P per se in this forum. but thank you guys=)

[gino_76ph]

now ive also read you are able to surf the internet using the built-in wi-fi like when you're in a hotspot like starbucks,etc. but will you be actually paying something when you you use "their" hotspot?

[charleski]

Yes, since free WiFi spots are now very rare. To use the ones in Starbucks you need to have an account with Tmobile.

[mobo]

I really want one but its either this or a skiing holiday

[gino_76ph]

i do have a T-mobile mobile. would that mean it's free or do i still have to psy?

[Tarffie]

Yes you still have to pay, it's a completely different product to their mobile phone contracts.

[gino_76ph]

ive heard of more issues about the ipod Touch. firslty there's this "hissing" noise when listening in between music files and/or using a diferrent/specific type of headphones. secondly, some models apparently has "dodgy" blacks and colours when viewing videos. thirdly, the very poor supplied stereo headphones. are these all true?

[Funkstar]

Hissing between tracks? Not sure, wouldn't surprise me, thats Apple using cheap amplifiers and analogue components.
Dodgy blacks? yup, this is true, not on all units though, but it is common. Same goes for the iPone.
very poor supplied stereo headphones? all supplied headphone, with every MP3 player are terrible.

EDIT: Actually the bad screen issue is official: http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/a...touch-screens/

[TMD]

you would have to google that and read other forums...problem is its only been out for a few weeks...
its basically an iphone with the phone bit taken out...
if you are after an ipod it might be better going for the classic ipod...isn';t the 160gb classic still a lot cheaper than the touch 16gb?

[charleski]

The screen problem was an issue with an incorrect gamma setting and has been fixed with the latest update. I didn't notice any noise when I looked at one in the Regent Street store, and any hissing would be a sign the unit is faulty. iPods in general are some of the best-sounding players you can get. As with any mp3 player, anyone who wants decent sound leaves the bundled headphones in the box and buys some decent ones.