Itunes Question

[Jason1]

Okay, so Im trying to burn a MP3 CD using Itunes. It wont let me burn a lot of the songs I want to because theyre not in the MP3 format. They are songs that Ive just imported from the CD's I actually own, and theyre in the AAC audio format. Is there any easy way to convert all of these songs to the MP3 format? Or is there another way to solve this problem?

[gekko]

If you're using a Mac, yes, very easy.

Otherwise, not quite as easy.

[Jason1]

Actually, I think I figured it out myself. I just did a search in the Itunes help. It is kinda a pain the way they tell you, but I can do it, no problem.

Oh, and BTW, would you recommend a Apple Notebook? Are they any good? Because ive been thinking about getting a notebook for college, and the only reason I havent gotten an Apple computer in the past is because you cant play games on them, but I wouldnt really need to play games on a notebook for college.

[GameMaster]

Preferences > Advanced > Importing > Import Using: MP3 Encoder

Go back to library, highlight all songs that are in AAC. The click Advanced > Convert Selection to MP3

[Jason1]

Preferences > Advanced > Importing > Import Using: MP3 Encoder

Go back to library, highlight all songs that are in AAC. The click Advanced > Convert Selection to MP3


Yea, thats exactly what I did, thanks.

[Xantar]

Actually, I think I figured it out myself. I just did a search in the Itunes help. It is kinda a pain the way they tell you, but I can do it, no problem.

Oh, and BTW, would you recommend a Apple Notebook? Are they any good? Because ive been thinking about getting a notebook for college, and the only reason I havent gotten an Apple computer in the past is because you cant play games on them, but I wouldnt really need to play games on a notebook for college.

Yes, I do recommend it. But I'm a Mac enthusiast.

Anyhow, they say the Apple notebooks are their best value. A Mac and a Windows laptop of equivalent power cost about the same. But the Mac gets the stability and elegance of OS X.

And if you do get an Apple notebook, I say go all out and get a G4. These days, a G4 can still be perfectly functional and up to date and do everything you want it to do for at least five years (like mine). The money you save by not buying a new computer will be worth it.

[Stonecutter]

Yea, thats exactly what I did, thanks.


That's cancer for your audio quality, you know.

[GameMaster]

An audiophile is one who is concerned with achieving high-quality results in the recording and playback of music.

[gekko]

Get a 15" PowerBook. Heaven.

Anyway, automator would've worked so well for this, it's not even funny.

[jeepnut]

I'm considering a 15inch powerbook. However, the intel switch has me a little worried. I'm wondering if I should wait for the new processors or go ahead and get one of the last PowerPCs.

[jeepnut]

What? None of the mac nerds around here want to respond to my post?

[GameMaster]

I would actually get one of the last PowerPCs. They've been using that processor for a good while now and have pretty much hammered out all the dents. My first Mac was a Performa 6200 which I think was made around the same time they had just started using the PowerPC processor and it was quite a buggy machine. That was partly due to OS 7 though. Anyway, my point is that the PowerPC processor is pretty much optimized for Macs while the Intel processor is unmapped territory, so to speak. I don't think Apple will have buggy computers or anything but I'm certain there'll be some issues for the at least the first year or two until they have it all figured out and perfected.

[Xantar]

I'm considering a 15inch powerbook. However, the intel switch has me a little worried. I'm wondering if I should wait for the new processors or go ahead and get one of the last PowerPCs.

Oh fine, I'll answer since you're being pushy.

The way I see it, this is the same dilemma that you always face as a computer buyer. There will always be something better a year from now. I'm betting that eventually, the Intel based Macs will outstrip current Power PC computers. But that's later. This is now. Moore's law says Macs will be about twice as fast as they are now in about 18 months, and there's no reason to believe the rate will get dramatically faster just because they've switched to a different brand of processor.

So I say as long as it's not just a month or so before Macworld, go ahead and buy the computer now. You'll come to feel jealous of the Intel computers, but hey, that's just the way it goes.

[gekko]

I'm considering a 15inch powerbook. However, the intel switch has me a little worried. I'm wondering if I should wait for the new processors or go ahead and get one of the last PowerPCs.

1) The Intel switch is far away. If you want a Mac, get one.

2) We don't know which products are going to be affected first. Might be consumer models, might be pro models. Might be desktops, might be laptops. Might be servers.

3) Few software programs are compiled for Intel right now. They all run natively on PPC.

4) Every piece of software for the remainder of OS X's life, and most likely OS 11 will be able to run PPC builds. It's no where near out of date (we can still run OS 9).

5) The 15" PowerBook is just so l33t and sexy. I'm using one right now, just not with the drop protection or scrolling touchpad :(

[jeepnut]

If I was buying now, I probably wouldn't be questioning it. However, my purchase is still 4 to 6 maybe more months down the road. I'm not really worried about the processor being fast enough. I know that there will always be faster processors just month's after I get mine and I can deal with that. What I'm really worried about though, is heat and battery life. I hear current Powerbooks will make you wish you had asbestos thighs and that the battery life is acceptable but far less than one would like at about 3 hours. (Even though Apple claims 5.) I'd like to be able to watch a movie on the battery and still have enough juice to do some web-surfing or word-processing before I have to plug back in when traveling. At 3 hours, this would cut it close. In addition, I've read in many reviews that when watching DVDs, battery life is actually closer to 2 and a half hours.

The main reason I would want to wait for the Intel switch is because the Intel processors are supposed to at least partly solve the heat/battery life problem. After all, this is that prime reason that Apple is switching. They can't get the G5 to run cool enough or efficiently enough for laptops.

Anyway, my schedule would put me about 6 or so months from when the first Mactels ship (June 2006). It's my guess and it seems a lot of online sites think so as well, that the first Mactels are likely to be laptops. Specifically the Powerbook line. They do seem to be the most in need of a new brain.

Naturally also, I wouldn't really want to get the first iteration of the new PBs, but part of me wants to wait and see what improvement there is if any. I'm almost sold on getting a Power PC instead of waiting, but I'm just trying to get as many opinions as I can. Thanks for your answers so far.

/me pushes Xantar some more.

[gekko]

Macs actually don't upgrade processors as fast, but your point obviously remains the same. Also, since Mac makes many up-and-coming technologies standard, they do last a long time.

As for heat, it's not bad. Never really used Windows laptops on my lap, so I can't compare. But it's not nearly as bad as my PowerBook G3.

As for battery, it is true. Subject to many factors, which is why Apple gets 5. By turning down my brightness right now, I add 30 minutes of battery life. Same thing if you are using AirPort, or Bluetooth, or powering something through USB or FireWire ports. But yes, 3 hours is common.

Intel's mobile line is much much better than the PPC line, which is where the rumors are coming from. But the G5 can run cool enough to go into a notebook, they announced the chip a couple months ago. Doubt we'll see it, but IBM has one.

It's up to you, when you want to get one, get one. I don't think Apple is going to radically redesign the PB line like they did when they switched to the G4. If you get a PowerBook, you'll love it. If you can hold out using Windows for another 6 months until the switch, then do so. I'd recommend getting it as soon as you can. Why? Because the second you get the PB in your hands you'll throw your PC into a dumpster and start saving for a G5 :D Then you can have both, a PPC and Intel Mac.

Just be wary of when Apple releases new products. MacWorld New York in July and MacWorld San Fran in Feb are the big ones. They have the keynote, announce a OS upgrade and Mac geeks go more crazy than gamers before E3. They also usually upgrade some product lines. Same thing when they drop a product in price, like put the iMacs on sale, it means they're announcing new ones.

[jeepnut]

Do you think anything real big Powerbook wise is coming in Feb.?

[gekko]

Really depends what they do this month. New developer release of OS X 10.4.3 is listing changes for "unnamed PowerBook and PowerMac" models, as well as retailers saying they have lower-than-usual inventory of the models. Long story short, new PowerMacs and Powerbooks are coming this month (along with video iPods).

Major changes, and then Feb is less likely, it'll be the consumer model line's turn. Minor changes, and it's possible.

[jeepnut]

Really depends what they do this month. New developer release of OS X 10.4.3 is listing changes for "unnamed PowerBook and PowerMac" models, as well as retailers saying they have lower-than-usual inventory of the models. Long story short, new PowerMacs and Powerbooks are coming this month (along with video iPods).

Major changes, and then Feb is less likely, it'll be the consumer model line's turn. Minor changes, and it's possible.
Alright, that's good to know. Feb. would be right around the time I'll be likely to be buying. I just don't want to buy something and then find out a better one came out just a couple weeks later.

Do you really think Video iPods are on the way? I figured it might be coming before the Nano, but after the Nano, something makes me think Apple doesn't see Video as something many people want or will use in their iPod. Also, recent comments from Apple regarding the Cingular ROKR phone also give me doubts. Particularly Apple's comments recently: “Is there a toaster that also knows how to brew coffee? There is no such combined device, because it would not make anything better than an individual toaster or coffee machine,” Rubenstein said. “It works the same way with the iPod, the digital camera or mobile phone—it is important to have specialized devices.” I see increases in battery life, a design change, and increased capacity as likely changes, but I don't see video capable iPods happening yet. Of course, I'm no predictor of the future.

[gekko]

New smaller HDs have been announced (smaller size).

Retailers have ordered smaller quantities of iPods in preparation.

Apple has been in talks with major recording companies to license content for a video iPod due this fall.

All signs point to... yes.

[Jason1]

2,299 for the 15 inch Powerbook??? Yikes. Id better start saving now.

[GameMaster]

$2,099 with a student discount.

[Jason1]

Seirously? Cool.

[GameMaster]

I see increases in battery life, a design change, and increased capacity as likely changes, but I don't see video capable iPods happening yet. Of course, I'm no predictor of the future.

I don't think there'll be a drastic design change. The traditional white iPod is a cultural icon as are the earbuds. The only design changes would be smaller, thinner, and/or more/less curvy. And maybe a different button layout.

Could the PowerBook design change? I don't know, what could possibly look better than the current titanium look? Certainly not the plastic colors they used when the iMacs and iBooks appeared.

[jeepnut]

Could the PowerBook design change? I don't know, what could possibly look better than the current titanium look? Certainly not the plastic colors they used when the iMacs and iBooks appeared.

Agreed. One of the main reasons (and I know it's not a good one) that I'm seriously considering a Mac is that all the comparable Windows PCs are ugly to me. That, and all the higher performance ones seem to be much heavier than the Powerbook's 5.5 pound weight.

[gekko]

Apple to hold special event next week:

http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/10/04/appleevent/index.php

And the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place ;)

[GameMaster]

G5 laptops and G6 desktops. Looks my waiting has finally paid off.

*brushes hands together in an accomplished manner*

[jeepnut]

If they can get the powerbook to work well with a G5, that would make my decision a lot easier. As long as it doesn't jack up the price a ton.

[gekko]

They won't. It would cost too much to implement a G5 into a laptop for the year or so it'll last before they do it all again with the intel chips.

Plus, this event is for the video iPod. Adding a G5 PowerBook would distract from that, which is the main event.

[GameMaster]

I'm still trying to decide on whether to go with a G5 desktop or a G4 laptop. The portable factor just seems really attractive to me right now. And in another year I'll be transferring out from my junior college to a standard school which makes the laptop even more ideal. Then again, it takes me a while to save up that much money, and for a bit less, I could get a G5 iMac, I'd like to get something with a lot of power since I wouldn't be getting another one for 4-5 years unless I become wealthy.

I wonder what Kramer would do?

[gekko]

In your situation, probably a laptop. I'm a desktop man myself, but my current situation has me with a PowerBook.

Desktops are so much faster, and I like the desk factor. I like being able to have docks setup, and I love dual monitors.

Needless to say, July of 07 has me buying a new G5 w/dual 23" cinemas :D

[Jason1]

Ah, just for the record, I just found out my brother is getting the 2Gig Ipod Nano for his birthday. It'll be coming in the mail in a couple of days, although I wont get to see it out of the box until his birthday on the 26th.

[jeepnut]

If you want to get him something, get him a case for it. I hear scratching is a big problem with them.

[Shadow Fox]

On the subject with powerbooks, I just recently bought a custom 17" Powerbook with all the fixin's and I LOVE IT.

The 1.64Ghz G4 chip runs OSX Tiger like a dream, and the screen is OMG

*ejaculates*

ahem. The screen is beautiful, and widescreen DVD's look even better than my HDTV...

The 8x DVD+/-RW drive is nice, but not as good as the G5's DL drive, which is to be expected (and by default, encoding speeds are slower than G5 too, but generally faster than most desktop PC's).

And for some reason, I can run DOOM 3 (yes, DOOM 3) in 1024 x 768 with all effects at a respectable 26-32fps, which is VERY good for a mobile Radeon 9700. The GPU also sports an adapter for dual-DVI so you can hook up dual monitors!

I've got the backlit keyboard, with ambient light detection so it comes on and off automatically whenever it gets light or dark in the room. I also took advantage of the bluetooth and bought a bluetooth wireless mouse (from apple, of course).

For school, it also comes with a trial of Office and adapters for projectors (to show off powerpoint and keynote presentations).

I upgraded the RAM to 1GB, and added a second firewire 800 port, which ran me around $2900. A similar PC I ordered (IBM Thinkpad R54) cost $3700 after all the customizations I made to make it CLOSE to the Powerbook in terms of features.

Needless to say, I'm happy with my purchase; I don't think I'll need another laptop until well after the whole MacIntel deal comes to market, and probably longer than that...

[GiMpY-wAnNaBe]

On the subject with powerbooks, I just recently bought a custom 17" Powerbook with all the fixin's and I LOVE IT.

The 1.64Ghz G4 chip runs OSX Tiger like a dream, and the screen is OMG

*ejaculates*

ahem. The screen is beautiful, and widescreen DVD's look even better than my HDTV...

The 8x DVD+/-RW drive is nice, but not as good as the G5's DL drive, which is to be expected (and by default, encoding speeds are slower than G5 too, but generally faster than most desktop PC's).

And for some reason, I can run DOOM 3 (yes, DOOM 3) in 1024 x 768 with all effects at a respectable 26-32fps, which is VERY good for a mobile Radeon 9700. The GPU also sports an adapter for dual-DVI so you can hook up dual monitors!

I've got the backlit keyboard, with ambient light detection so it comes on and off automatically whenever it gets light or dark in the room. I also took advantage of the bluetooth and bought a bluetooth wireless mouse (from apple, of course).

For school, it also comes with a trial of Office and adapters for projectors (to show off powerpoint and keynote presentations).

I upgraded the RAM to 1GB, and added a second firewire 800 port, which ran me around $2900. A similar PC I ordered (IBM Thinkpad R54) cost $3700 after all the customizations I made to make it CLOSE to the Powerbook in terms of features.

Needless to say, I'm happy with my purchase; I don't think I'll need another laptop until well after the whole MacIntel deal comes to market, and probably longer than that...
that is one SWEET ASS set up you've go there, i personally went with a toshiba satellite for my purchase, but i was considering a powerbook....ooh, now i'm jealous