MP3 Insider

'Tis the season to give, but with the current economic crunch affecting all of our pocketbooks, you may find yourself too cash-strapped to go all out on electronic gadgetry. But that doesn't mean you have to shy away from tech gifting. MP3 player accessories make great gifts and the majority of them aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, you can find some cases on Amazon for less than two bucks!

If you have a SanDisk Sansa owner in your family, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up a slew of accouterments that are perfect for stuffing stockings and loading up under trees.

SanDisk Sansa accessories gallery

If there's a lesson to be learned from this week's MP3 Mailbox Monday, it's that flattery will get you everywhere. And that it's hip to be square. Oh, also, there's something about digitizing music and recycling CDs in here, too, though I like to delude myself into thinking you stop by for my self-indulgent-yet-somehow-still-witty intro chatter. What do you mean witty, you say? Ha! Good one. Read on for the skinny.

Q: I just joined CNET--great site, just love it! Here's the thing: I'm old, I'm out of it, and I need help. I only started downloading music a year ago, and now I'm hooked. Love having digital music and want to get rid of my physical CDs. I work non-stop and don't have time to do this myself. I've looked into ripping services and wonder if anyone can recommend one service over another? They all seem pretty much the same as far as cost so I'm looking for actual positive experience with a specific service. I'm in the New York City area but it's fine to ship to a distant location if it's a good service.

Also, what format should I convert to--MP3 or AAC? I have an iPhone, a Mac laptop, and external back up (a time machine). And what do people do with their old CDs? Are there places to donate, recycle, etc.? Thanks a ton!--Clare, via e-mail

One of many services that takes the work out of CD ripping.

A: We haven't done a comparison of CD-ripping services at CNET, but I found one over at Digital Trends that is nicely laid out and includes a wide variety of options. (As usual, I also invite other CNET users to leave feedback below.)

Now, the question of format is a good one, and I'm afraid the answer isn't entirely straightforward. What format to use depends on your purposes. If you're looking for archive-quality audio, lossless is the way to go. The most common lossless format is WAV, but in your case, I'd recommend Apple Lossless, which offers some compression while still preserving the data of the file. (This means the Apple Lossless file will be smaller than the WAV, but will arguably sound just as good.) Apple Lossless is supported by iTunes and most iPods, including the iPhone.

So secretive, that Apple. In its typical fashion, the company coyly declined to answer our initial inquiries about the production force behind its branded In-Ear Headphones, and now the earbuds' product page seems to be indefinitely marked with "Coming Soon." What gives, oh purveyor of iPods? Also this week: MP3 players with customizable interfaces.

Donde esta el Apple In-Ear Headphone?

(Credit: Apple)

Q: I just bought a new iPod Touch, which is fantastic, but I have been waiting a while for Apple to release their new In-Ear Headphones, the ones announced in September for $79. The audio quality seems like it would be fine for me, and I would really like to have the microphone and playback controls on the wire. I had read that Apple would release them in October, but it is now November 6 and they are still listed on Apple's Web site as "coming soon." I have been completely unable to find any info on this mystery. Do you know when or if they will be released? Thanks very much for your help.--Aleck , via e-mail

A: Unfortunately, Apple is being rather tight-lipped about this product. The company's rep asserted that Apple will not be releasing review samples until the earphones actually hit shelves, and she was unable to provide an estimate as to when that might be--no doubt because the headphones are being manufactured by an unknown third party. The best thing I can say is just keep an eye out at the Apple Store, although the fact that the product is this late to market is rather uncharacteristic of Apple and raises some concern regarding the production of the line. If they're not available by Black Friday, I'd consider looking at alternatives. Radius has a $50 pair that I found to be suitable, the Atomic Bass for iPhone. There's no integrated controls in those, though.

All the political madness must be getting to my brain, because I apparently think MP3 Mailbox Monday is better suited to Tuesday this week. Luckily, the date doesn't affect the usefulness of the information herein. Namely, what's the deal with satellite radio lately? XM and Sirius officially merged this year, but things have been decidedly quiet other than that, with few exciting new product announcements. For subscribers, there's been some confusion over whether to upgrade equipment now or hold out for a possible combination of the signals or new gadgets that can receive both services. Some answers to that below.

The Stiletto 2 is holding strong.

(Credit: Sirius)

Q: While searching for what is "new" for Sirius radios, I ran across your Aug 15, 2007 article on the Stiletto 2, and thought you would be a person in-the-know. I recently found out that my S50 radio will not handle the best-of-XM service being offered by Sirius. I guess that will teach me not to be the first in line to buy semiportable satellite radios. Sirius is being very helpful in working with me to get a new radio (unfortunately they are not going to do it for free), and they are pushing the Stiletto 2.

My thought is that with Christmas coming, I am sure there is something new on the horizon. However, I can not find any rumors or articles discussing what they plan to do next. I would assume a portable radio that would handle both XM and Sirius signals, but I do not know how far down the road that is. Have you heard of what is coming next with Sirius portable radios? Should I go with the Stiletto 2, or wait?--Jesse, via e-mail

A: Although Sirius is offering the Best of XM access that you described, at this point, I haven't heard anything about Sirius XM combining the signals for the two services. Currently, the companies use two different compression and access systems, so the individual receivers are only compatible with the one service they are advertised for. However, Sirius XM has stated that any currently sold receivers will work with any service going forward, whether it is combined or separate. ... Read more

What ever happened to removable batteries? I'm not just talking about the alkaline variety, but the user-replaceable kind that were also rechargeable. It appears as if they have gone out of fashion, and many a frequent-flier is bummed. All is not lost, though, as you still can find AAA-friendly MP3 players if you look hard enough...or if you just keep reading this page. You can even find decent portable speakers for less than 50 bucks, which is just about the max I'd want to spend on such an item in the current economic state.

Q: What MP3 players might still run on one or more AA or AAA (user replaceable) batteries? Or what MP3 players might have a long audio playtime? Also, what set of small portable battery powered speakers do you like for, say, less than $50? --Doug, via e-mail

Sony E-Series

A: Ah, the elusive removable-battery-powered MP3 player. Those are few and far between nowadays. In fact, I don't know of any current ones, but it looks as if a few older models are still available. Keep an eye out for the SanDisk Sansa m250 and the RCA Pearl, both of which have the added benefit of being exceptionally cheap. There's also the Sansa Shaker, though that player may have limited appeal to adults without children. If your concern over having a swappable battery has to do with longevity, I might suggest the Sony E-Series. It has a rated battery life of 45 hours, and though we haven't completed our testing of that claim, I believe the results will be in line with the rating (Sony's numbers have been accurate in the past).

Duette is cuette.

As for the speaker question, I can think of a handful that I like for less than $50. Both the LG MSP-100 ($37) and the iMainGo 2 ($40) are ultracompact and offer solid sound quality for their size, and the iMainGo has the added benefit of being a protective case for your MP3 player. I even like the supercheap IceTech Duette ($12), but then I'm a sucker for cute and tiny tech. (An important thing to note, too, is that the Duette is a mono speaker.)

(Credit: CNET/Corinne Schulze)

MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)

If anything's a given about the iPod, it's that the player has a solid history of handling podcasts exceptionally well. This has to do with the firmware on the device itself, but perhaps more credit should be given to the iTunes software, which makes excellent use of its integrated music store interface to aggregate, organize, and promote a wide variety of podcats--likely the widest array available in any one spot. That's great for iPod owners, but what about the rest of us? Never fear: there are plenty of solutions available.

I have a Creative Zen MP3 player, and I want to subscribe to podcasts from NPR and learn Spanish. What would be the best way to "collect" the subscriptions for podcasts? Can my Creative software convert iTunes podcasts to MP3? iTunes seems to have an easy system to "collect" the podcasts for loading to an iPod, but I'm not sure if it will convert podcasts to MP3 or if I need software. Is it necessary to buy a piece of software for active collection of podcasts? Any suggestions or pointing to a Web site would be appreciated.-- Kerry, via e-mail

A: For the Zen line of MP3 players, Creative offers a service and software called ZenCast, which allows you to subscribe to and manage podcast. This combination will give you the most seamless experience for your particular player, but if you are already comfortable with iTunes, that is actually a perfectly reasonable way to collect podcasts for the Zen or any other MP3 players. The podcasts available through iTunes are already in MP3 format, so there is no need to convert the files to get them to playback on any non-iPod MP3 player.

The Juice aggregator is anything but sour.

Provided you haven't adjusted any Library settings in iTunes, podcasts should automatically be saved under My Music>iTunes>Podcasts. You can set up Creative MediaSource or Windows Media Player (or most other jukeboxes) to automatically monitor any folder for new media, so to make the experience more effortless, have your media manager monitor that Podcasts folder. Then, you can simply sync the new podcasts from the software when you connect your device. (With the Zen, you may also drag-and-drop podcasts from the folder to the player via Windows Explorer.)

For those who are anti-iTunes and use other MP3 players, check out Juice. It works across all platforms and has positive user feedback. Have another recommendation? Feel free to talk it up in the comment section below.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)

There is no such thing as the perfect MP3 player. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it means that there is always room for innovation and exciting new developments in the space. Plus, there's something to be said for having devices specifically tailored to certain tastes and activities. On the other hand, I'm never 100-percent satisfied with a single player. Apparently, I am not alone in this sentiment, as more than a few users own more than one MP3 player to suit their various needs. But what to do when those players won't work with one common piece of software and you're stuck updating playlists separately? An answer to that below. Also this week: just how useful is the Sony S-Series Walkman's noise-canceling capability?

Zune 80

(Credit: Microsoft)

Q: I own a Sansa SanDisk and a Zune 80. They are both terrific for the way I use them. The only downside I have found is they use different software for playlists and syncing. When I update my playlists in Windows Media Player (WMP) for the Sansa, I also have to go into the Zune Software and make the same changes. My question: is there any way to sync the playlists so I only have to make the updates in one of the programs? --Dan, via e-mail

A: Definitely. It's fairly easy, once you know a few tricks. Give this a try:

1. Choose one folder in which to save all of your playlists. My Playlists is probably best, as Microsoft's software (which includes WMP and the Zune Software) already recognizes it as a playlist folder.
2. Make sure both programs are set to automatically update your library by monitoring folders, specifically My Playlists. In WMP, go to Tools > Options > Library. In the Zune Software, go to Settings > Collection.
3. Open WMP and select a playlist to edit by dragging it into the edit pane on the right side.
4. Make any edits you want, then click the drop-down at the top of the song list and select Save Playlist As.
5. From the Save As Type drop-down, select M3U Playlist.

I don't know about you, but I could get used to the four-day workweek. That said, returning from time off on the day of Apple's annual iPod announcement is not exactly the best way to ease back into things. With four new iPods unleashed on the world, the MP3-reviews editors are not hurting for things to do--including fielding a flurry of questions about whether an iPod upgrade is worthwhile. After two weeks off, MP3 Mailbox is back with a question worthy of the lingering iPod-overload atmosphere.

Second generation iPod Touch

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)

Q: I have a question about what MP3 player I should get. I want a player with video, 8GB (or more) memory, and possibly touch screen. I would prefer it to be pocketable, but that doesn't matter as much. The two I have found are the second-gen iPod Touch and the Archos 5. I also found a refurbished first-gen iPod Touch for $60 less than the second-gen. My question: is the new iPod Touch worth the $60 dollars more, and out of all three MP3 players which should I get? If you could suggest any more that would be great.--Don, via e-mail

A: The iPod Touch is perhaps the best option among advanced PVPs, and--despite the fact that I'm a fiercely against touch screens for my own personal use--it's the only touch-screen portable device that I actually enjoy using. Plus, unlike the Archos 5, it uses solid state (flash) memory, which is more durable and stable than hard-drive memory, and it is pocketable. I haven't spent much time with the Archos 5 (Senior Editor Donald Bell's review is set to post soon), but the size alone makes it less desirable as an everyday player--it is more Internet media tablet, less PVP. On the plus side, the Archos 5 can run over 3G (if you have an active SIM card), and it can record video directly from your TV using the optional DVR dock--the iPod Touch does not offer either option.

Samsung P2.

When deciding between the first-gen or second-gen iPod Touch, consider whether the following features are worth $60: a slimmer design, dedicated volume controls, voice recording capability (with an optional add-on), support for Nike+, and a built-in speaker. Those five features are what distinguishes the newer iPod Touch from its predecessor.

One other player to consider in the touch-screen realm is the Samsung P2. It doesn't have Wi-Fi or Web browsing like the others, but it does come with integrated Bluetooth for streaming wireless audio, among other things. While the iPod Touch supports video purchased and rented from iTunes, the P2 supports video purchased and rented from Amazon's Video On Demand service (formerly Unbox). It's more compact than the iPod Touch and offers some features which may be compelling for you (subway maps and an integrated FM tuner, for example). Best of all, sound quality is nothing short of stellar, and at $179 for 8GB, it's the cheapest player mentioned here. However, in my experience, the iPod's touch screen is more accurate than that of the P2.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)

As I'm always quick to point out, I'm not the most delicate user when it comes to my own gadgets. I'm clumsy and slightly reckless at times, which also goes toward explaining my tendency to bruise at the shins, hips, and wrists (or anyplace at coffee table, counter, or door knob level). It's always reassuring to be reminded that I am not the only one with such issues. This week's questioner, for example, can't seem to make his earbuds last out the year. You are not alone.

(Credit: Shure)

Q: I go through headphones like crazy! The cord always breaks or the wiring comes apart. Currently, I am using Creative earbuds that came with my Zen MP3 player, and they have lasted about eight months, but now the cord is coming out of the connector. Do you have any suggestions on what would be a good pair? I am always on the go, normally wrap the headphones up loosely, and then put them in my case for my player. I need them to have good audio quality and last at the very least a year, but be no more than $50 to $75. Any help would be greatly appreciated.--J., via e-mail

A: Based on your experience, I recommend that you look for a pair of earphones that comes with a good warranty. Shure is always a great company to look at for this--the earphones include a two-year warranty and the company has an excellent reputation for sending replacement products--but the cheapest headphones available, the SE110, are a little above your price range at $100. (You might decide that's worth it, though!) Koss, which makes quite a few cheaper choices, also has a good reputation for replacing products and offers a limited lifetime warranty on its headphones. The KEB79 has good sound quality and can be found for about $70 online.

Of course, there are other manufacturers that provide good warranties as well. This information is often best gleaned from user reviews and forums, as the headphone owners are familiar with long-term use scenarios. As always, I invite readers to comment below with their own experiences--good or bad!

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)

MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)