But calling it a "podcast" implies that an iPod is somehow a necessary ingredient, when any of dozens of devices will play one just as well and infinitely cheaper.

Why not call an "MP3 audio file" what it is?

The MP3 technology itself was patented 20 years ago, and its use to broadcast audio files predates the iPod by at least 10.

A podcast is not an MP3 file; it is a broadcast medium that delivers MP3 files.

Robey, I gather both from your comments re: the iPod and those regarding your preferred method of touring Paris that you value &quot;bargains&quot;. That's cool. Not everyone does, you know. Some of us are willing to spend more for something that is nicely packaged and presented and--dare I say it?--trendy. It's not a sin, you know. Just because a product is heavily marketed and receives a lot of hype, doesn't mean it's not a great product <i><b>for its target audience</b></i>.

<i>Uno, dos, tres, catorce anyone?</i>

Duke freshmen this year received ipods as part of orientation (really not much when you think of the tuition rates).

It came with academic calendar info already downloaded. Students are able to download academic info like audio books, recorded course lecutures, and foreign languages. Students should also be able to record lectures, interviews, etc (though I think the mike setup is extra and not part of the orientation ipod kit).

I wonder how many use it for academic purposes only.

Thanks, J62, for converter info. and tip re: extension cord. So true that one converter plus two hair devices and one iPod equals major stress for two teens and two parents!

Just to throw a kink into this discussion...

If you're interested in an iPod but don't like the price, try looking at the Archos products.

I bought an Archos Gmini 220 to take on my vacation this summer. Like an iPod but much less expensive, smaller, lighter.

20GB, MP3 player, you can download pics from almost any media card (need an adapter for some) and view them on the screen. Also works as a data storage device. Also records into MP3 format.

I think it's a pretty cool little toy :)

I believe that the site referenced above for podcasts should be http://www.digitalpodcast.com as opposed to .net.

I love my iPod, and I plan to take it on my upcoming trip to England. I have the iSplitter with two sets of ear buds so that my husband and I can both listen (although this only works if you and your listening partner share musical tastes!). I think the iPod will be great on the plane and during train travel.

I have been debating the issue of whether I get a new (but not very powerful) pda AND a MP3 player, or maybe upgrade to a PPC that includes an MP3. I primarily use use the calendar and phone book on my old PDA. Doesn't the IPOD have a calendar feature? And if so, would that obviate the need for a pda? It sounds like (from Robespierre) that I would be better off with the opposite (a PPC that plays MP3s). Your continued comments are helpful.

&quot;But never before have we had the technology to make one ourselves--inexpensively--and then distribute it to a wide (or narrow) audience.&quot; Sorry, but this statement is factually incorrect. Multicast via internet (which is what podcast uses) was written into the original TCP/IP protocols published in 1974. My company has been doing it since 1995.

I'm hopelessly frugal. I don't think &quot;trendy&quot; is value for money, and I don't succumb to manipulation by the marketplace in other areas, either. For example, I don't go for &quot;packaged and presented.&quot; I go for intrinsic worth. This tends to give me more money to have fun with because I haven't spent it in a vain (both meanings) effort to impress people.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of decisions that are a largely a matter of personal taste, but rather offering an opinion in which some may find merit.

YMMV

Bitter, <i>have I got a thread for you</i>!

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34474486

Robespierre: Thanks! My stupidity, but to access wireless internet points, or hotspots, I need to have a wireless account, don't I? (That's what my mindspring website tells me). And the GPS is an add on (for the 2210/2215, correct? Thanks for your help.

Both the 802.11b and GPS are devices that plugged into the CompactFlash slot in my iPAQ 2215. It had built-in Bluetooth, but I never found a network to tap into. The public WiFi networks don't require a subscription - although the establishment may require you to buy something from them before letting you log on.

Some newer models have WiFi and 4-band GSM phones on board.

I took my Dell DJ (Dell's answer to iPod) with me on my recent trip to London. I listened to it all the way from Detroit to Gatwick and enjoyed having it along. Plugged it into my noise-canceling headphones and it was great. Almost didn't mind traveling in coach - almost! :)

I'd never give Steve Jobs and Apple one red cent so instead I just ordered a Creative Zen 40 GB MP3 player for almost $150 less than Ipod's comparable model. According to Cnet.com's reviews, there's not much difference between the two. Not only will I be able to listen to MY music while traveling, I will also be able to backup my digital camera shots until I return home.

LVSue,
I am a grandmother myself who loves MY iPod. I wrote in another thread how great it was when we were stuck in Logan Airport overnight and used it to block out the noise of the continuing security announcements all night long.

I have a Mini, which is perfect for me, because it is so compact. But I think a young man would prefer the regular one. I have a feeling the Minis are considered more girly, but maybe you should check that out with the younger generation to confirm.

If you can afford it and are feeling generous, the $349 photo version is probably the best choice -- it's only $50 more than the non-photo regular iPod and has 30 gb rather than 20 -- holds a lot more music even if you don't want to put pictures on it.

Someone else mentioned the black earphones. Sony makes some called Fontopia which are much more comfortable and provide better sound blocking than the standard iPod ones. They start at around $25 and I think are well worth it.

The 40gb Zen is $224.84 at eCost.com today, with free shipping.

A private school in Sydney (Australia) has banned its pupils from bringing iPods to school on the ground that they lead to social isolation.

It didn't take long for a cynic to suggest that social isolation is surely the raison d'etre of a private school.

&lt;&lt;Uno, dos, tres, catorce anyone?&gt;&gt;

1,2,3,14?

What does this mean, elle?

Has Bono ever explained it?

<b>Rex:</b>
It's an homage to producer Steve Lillywhite, who produced their first, second, third and current (14th) albums.

I'd also like to mention the greatest iPod accessory ever created...the iTrip. It's an FM transmitter that allows you to play your iPod out loud on any radio or stereo system with an FM tuner.

Other FM transmitters are available out there, but this one doesn't require batteries. It takes its power directly from the iPod. Retails for 29.99 American. I'm listening to mine at work right now, in shuffle mode.

Thanks, everyone for the great ideas (earphones and FM transmitter might make great Christmas presents). Unlike some, I am a Mac fanatic and have been since my first one in 1984, so I'm delighted to support Apple and Jobs. It may be superficial, but for a special present, I want to get the &quot;real deal.&quot;

I am also a Mac and Ipod person. We have had Macs since 1994. My hubby was PC person who had worked with IBMs in his job for years, but switched over as soon as he used my computer...and that's where we are today.

Re the ipod, I also use the Sony Fontopia headsets. They are much better than the ones that come with the IPOD. They shut out the extraneous noise. The bad part is that the ear buds keep coming off.

I saw a charger in the Apple store which whill charge your Ipod on the plane. I have all my Pimsleur French tapes on the IPOD so it definitely goes with me. I also have found that since I got the IPOD I am more likely to exercise. It makes it go faster.