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Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
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the Music Lounge by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A & E Writer |
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| Upgrading to an MP3 player is as easy as i-P-O-D | |
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Portable CD players have yet to be buried in the electronic graveyard, but their days are certainly numbered. It's time to start thinking about an upgrade to digital audio equipment. Every major electronic company makes an MP3 player now, but the most recognizable is Apple's iPOD nano. I strongly recommend purchasing your iPOD directly from an Apple store, not from eBay or a department store. There are three nearby Apple locations - University Village, Bellevue Square and Southcenter Mall, or you can purchase online at www.store.apple.com. Going digital will be music to your ears, trust me. Bye-bye CD player Several reasons come to mind for kissing your CD player goodbye. Among them, a lighter load in your backpack or man-purse, and more space in your carry-on bags during flights. You won't ever have to lug CD cases around anymore or worry about discs getting scratched. Another incentive is no more batteries. Plus, disc skipping is a thing of the past because everything's digital. Choosing and buying an iPOD iPODs vary in price, depending on GB (gigabytes) size and color. 2GB nanos, able to store up to 500 songs, only come in aluminum and cost $149. 4GB nanos, able to store up to 1000 songs, are available in green, blue, pink, and aluminum and cost $199. 8GB nanos, able to store up to 2000 songs, are available in black and red and cost $249 . The famed red iPOD nano, a favorite amongst celebrities like Oprah, is a special edition item that benefits poverty and health concerns in Africa. 4GB red nanos cost $199. All iPODs come with headphones, adaptors, one-year warranty, and quick instructions. iPOD minis and shuffles are two other popular options, though I suggest a nano for the first time MP3 buyer. Getting acquainted with your iPOD Each Apple store offers free workshops to familiarize you with their products. One-on-one tutorials with a personal trainer are provided for $99. I found all necessary information online, step-by-step, at www.apple.com/support/iPOD. And, just tinkering with your iPOD is a great way to warm up to it. Besides music options, the device has settings for Audiobooks, daily calendar, contact list, and it allows you to sort downloads by genre, composer, and artists. You may want to compile your songs into "Playlists" (i.e. workout tunes, 80s favorites, road trip songs, etc.). Adding music to your iPOD You'll need to register with iTunes, Apple's official online music store, to download and upload songs for listening use. A credit card is required for registration, but you will only be charged if you purchase music. You can buy specific tracks (you don't have to buy the entire album, just the songs you like) on iTunes or rip songs from CDs you already own. Each time you connect your iPOD to your iTunes account, it will automatically upload new selections from your iTunes account to your iPOD. Then, you can sell or donate your CDs once you've moved wanted songs to your iPOD. Each Tuesday, iTunes offers free downloads and new music. iPOD accessories To prevent scratches to your iPOD, you might want to invest in a protective case that costs anywhere from $20 to $40. A variety of replacement or high quality headphones are available, as are plug-in speakers, dock stations, iKlear polish kit and a go-to-guide called "The iPOD Book". I recommend getting an extra set of earphones, especially if you travel frequently. Although, Apple stores are centrally located in most major US and international cities. Give the gift that keeps on playing If you own an iPOD but a friend or family member doesn't (think "Class of 2007" graduates), you can purchase Apple gift cards online or at an official store. They make a wonderful gift for music lovers or electronic-curious folks. Specific iTUNES gift cards are available as well. |
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