iPods don't have to use proprietary file formats - that is a common
misconception. They play .mp3, for example, just fine, and I do it
all the time. The proprietary files are just the ones bought from
the iTunes store.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html
FYI
~Laura
On Apr 22, 2007, at 7:22 PM, Steven C. Barr(x) wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tom Fine" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Well, there is a reason the iPod is far and away the best selling
>> digital
> music player -- ease of
>> use and user-friendly interface. You'd be hard pressed to find a
>> better
> interface, although someone
>> probably makes a specialized player of some sort for institutional
>> purposes.
> I've seen specialized
>> CD players in museums -- the covers are locked and they are
>> ruggedized and
> offer only play and stop
>> buttons, covered in rubber so slimy little fingers can't break
>> them. Someone
> must make a similar MP3
>> player.
>>
>> Another idea -- seek out an Apple refurb or recycling place in
>> Europe. You
> might find a load of iPod
>> Mini or even an early Nano for very cheap. A Nano might be your
>> ideal choice
> because it's got
>> solid-state memory, not a hard drive, and will thus last longer
>> under constant
> jarring.
>>
> The problem with genuine Apple iPods is that they use a proprietary
> sound-file
> format. I don't kmow if they can convert other more common formats
> (i.e.
> CD, .wav, .mp3, usw.)...but I do know that material intended for
> the iPod
> can't be played by anything else (there may be Apple-built
> exceptions...?)
>
> One can also buy "MP3 players," which act much the same as iPods
> but use
> more accessible file format...
>
> Steven C. Barr
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