[iTunes] Re: the new, true line out

[Ron Skinner]

Believe it or not, you can already record with the iPod--for six seconds.
:-) Longer recording is certainly possible, but whether or not this ability
will be implemented via a firmware update or a new iPod generation is
anyone's guess. 

Actually, the 'Pod has a ton of untapped potential, some of which will
undoubtedly require new I/O hardware. That new proprietary connector on the
bottom of this generation that some insist on bitching about will actually
open the door to much greater functionality. The current OS is using only a
fraction of the iPod's processing punch.

Regarding the IC requirements for the line-out, they are the same as you're
using now: a mini plug to RCA pins. As you may know, two other accessory
docks are in the works, one apparently using a standard RCA/RCA IC. This one
will include a few other touches according to the rumor mills.

Concerning the audio improvements to be expected with the line-out versus
the headphone output, this depends on what you're connecting it to. In a
component system with decent speakers you will hear an improvement. With
quality headphones and an amp you will hear still more improvement. With a
bookshelf system or boombox, you will likely gain very little.

As for buying a 20 rather than the new 15, that's a toughie. I have 5, 20
and 30 gig models, and much prefer the new 30. If I owned a 10, I'm sure I
wouldn't buy a 20 at this point.

I strongly recommend that you upgrade to iTunes 4.0. The ability to rip to
AAC is a major plus, and your iPod will love you for it.

Ron

On 5/27/03 6:45 PMHenri wrote:

> I have the older 10 gig iPod and still use iTunes 3, and I wonder too
> if I'm better off picking up a 20 for less than the cost of a new 15
> gig . The various problems I read about with iTunes 4 and the new
> Ipods are persuasive reasons to wait to upgrade. Neither seems like a
> finished trouble free product yet.
> 
> I bought a mic to dual RCA adaptor and through this have plugged my
> old iPod into the AUX inputs of various stereo systems, ranging from
> a large component system to bookshelf systems, to hotel TV's to a
> Bose boombox, on three continents, with good results. It's been a
> great way to share music in my travels. How much better would that
> sound through the true line-out (and does it require the same adaptor
> I've been using?)?
> 
> Using the iPod that way, the feature I developed the greatest desire
> for was the ability to record on the little bugger...through a mike
> and via line in...any rumors that that may be on the horizon?
> 
>> 
>> Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 10:32:43 -0700
>> Subject: [iTunes] Re: old ipod vs new one
>> From: Ron Skinner <rskinner at lvcm.com>
>> Message-ID: <BAF8EF4B.2E32%rskinner at lvcm.com>
>> 
>> On 5/26/03 3:20 PMbianca falco wrote:
>> 
>>>  I'm sure you already talked about it. Is there any
>>>  function that the old one doesn't have? Which one is
>>>  more shock and humid wheather resistant?I would like
>>>  to buy the old 20gb
>>>  b.
>> 
>> From an audiophile's point of view, the main advantage with the new iPod is
>> that it has a true line-out on the dock. This facilitates the use of
>> external preamps and amplifiers, and is something we've been asking for
>> since the iPod's debut.
>> 
>> New third-party cases are in the works which will allow the player to be
>> charged without removing from the case.
>> 
>> Ron
>> 
> 
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