>>>It just means that if you get mp3s from somewhere else, you then have to load them into the iTunes library first. Afaic that's a pointless waste of time for no real benefit.
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>>It can be tedious at times, but once they have been added to the iTunes library, you can build playlists w/them, which then sync to the pod. And of course you can burn CDs with those files as well as files bought via the store.
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>>What mp3 device are u using and what software are u using to manage it?
>
>Right now I have an older RCA Lyra 1028 (no video). Takes an ordinary AAA battery that gets about 20 hours, uses an SD card same as my camera (right now I have it loaded with a 2 gig card) and I don't use any particular software. I just use windows explorer to transfer files through a USB interface. Serves my needs very nicely.
>
>I realise that these days 2 gigs doesn't seem like much, but I've never really felt a driving need for 5,000 songs at a time.

So folders on the card are the playlists? Playlists are key for me. It would be a pain in the arse w/o the software. You can create "on the go" lists manually w/ just the pod but its a nice feature with the iTunes software. You can sync selected playlists or your entire catalog (all songs and all playlists). You can specify higher/lower playback levels for songs and specify specific start/stop points for each tune if u want. Plus Apple is starting to sell DRM-free songs.