>>>>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?
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>>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.
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>>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.

All I want out of the thing is to put on a bunch of songs I want to listen to when I'm walking or taking a train or whatever, and then listen to them. I don't need the bells and whistles of messing with playlists and all the rest. I just want it to start at the beginning and end at the end.

For someone who does want all that, then yes, you need special software etc. It's just not one of my necessities.