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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
 Posted - 08/11/2006 : 08:27:25
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First off, lets talk about "Zune", Microsofts upcoming media player which will rival the ipod, due out near the end of the year.
Here's an image of the prototype:
It's logo:
And here's some of the chatterings going on about it:
" Reportedly, the player will have a click-wheel interface similar to that of the iconic iPod. However, the hardware inside is reportedly much beefier. It will run Windows Mobile on a 400MHz DSP processor, contain a 30GB hard drive, and built-in WiFi"
"One intriguing rumor is that Microsoft would offer iTunes Music Store's customers the option to repurchase all the songs they've bought as protected Windows Media files. This would certainly be a bold move that would remove one of Apple customers' barriers to entry, but it smacks of the kind of win-at-all-costs freebiemania of the dotcom era. Surely, there are already customers who have spent hundreds of dollars or more at the iTunes Music Store. Completely reimbursing those customers would essentially amount to giving the player away. Imagine if Microsoft had offered a free Xbox game for every PlayStation 2 game purchased when it entered the video game console market."
One key feature seems to be the ability to download music wirelessly as well as sharing/swapping music it with Zune devices
Are there people here considering getting a Zune?
Can it even compete with the mighty ipod?
https://www.comingzune.com/
Seán Says: Do you ever stop and look at yourself in the mirror and think: "Damn, i need a new mirror"
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Edited by - s_wrenn on 08/11/2006 08:36:40 |
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mr.biscuitdoughhead
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1729 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 08:36:43
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Looks cool. I might get one, depends on the cost.
I never liked ipods for some reason. I was just recently considering getting an ipod (too many cds!!), but the Zune looks better.
 "Join the Cult Of Ruben Romano's Goatee / Soon you'll be rolling your way to freedom!!" |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 08:38:45
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Early rumours say it could be $299+
I presume whatever the official price of Zune is, it won't be too far off from ipod
Seán Says: Do you ever stop and look at yourself in the mirror and think: "Damn, i need a new mirror"
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 08:54:25
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I'm quite sold on my iPod. Love it and it does what I need, when, and how. So no, no Zune for me.
That said, re: 'free' tunes... remember that the majors are forced to deal with Apple in much the same way that other manufacturers are forced to deal with WalMart. It's good for us because those labels want nothing more than to jack up the price of downloads for everyone while Apple holds them to the 99 cent line. So, a person could imagine a situation where Microsoft approaches the labels with the promise of flexible pricing and bla bla bla _if_ they'll let people re-download songs that they've purchased in iTunes in a different format.
Remember that the users have paid for these songs already. By all rights, this should be a non-issue except that things have gotten so out of hand with DRM. I should be able to play a song I bought anywhere. Which is the number one reason I don't use any service that uses DRM unless I'm forced (iTunes for Snake Oil/One More Road, for example). So I doubt this will break the bank for MS. It may, in fact, cost them nothing more than the bandwidth in exchange for a sizeable chance that Apple's stranglehold is broken, they set flexible/higher prices for the labels, and so on.
I don't like Apple's proprietary approach one stinking bit but to their credit at least they're not making deals with the devil.
 "No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself." |
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Thomas
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1615 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 09:16:01
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Do people really spend that much on electronic music? I don’t get it. Sure if there wasn’t a CD format available and e-music was the only alternative. Yes, I’d have to buy it. But who in the hell is buying hundreds upon thousands of music for $1.00 each with nothing to show for it. My MP3 player, a Sansa 4GB, has nothing but songs I already own on CD. One of the great features is that the FM tuner is already installed but what makes it even better is I can record my favorite morning radio program while I’m busy working and then listen to it while I’m on the train ride home.
"Our Love is Rice and Beans and Horses Lard" |
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mr.biscuitdoughhead
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1729 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 09:19:58
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How much did you pay for that? (it looks like its going pretty cheap on ebay)
And I used to sometimes try to catch her, but never even caught her name... |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 09:29:06
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I don't actually own an mp3 player. But that one looks pretty good.
If i had one, i'd more than likely just dump my entire cd collection onto it, and forget about emusic. I just prefer to have a physical collection of albums.
Seán Says: Do you ever stop and look at yourself in the mirror and think: "Damn, i need a new mirror"
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Edited by - s_wrenn on 08/11/2006 09:29:44 |
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Thomas
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1615 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 09:35:28
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Everything is cheap on ebay. Until those last minute mysterious bids that bump up the price. The Sansa 4gb is listed for $219.99 at Best Buy. I got mine with a $40 instant rebate, $179.99.
quote:
Originally posted by mr.biscuitdoughhead
How much did you pay for that? (it looks like its going pretty cheap on ebay)
I'm sure the 6gb Sansa that recently came out will lower the price of the 4gb one very soon.
It also has the ability to play video and there is a slot for a mini SD so you can add even more music, videos, pictures, FM recordings or voice recording. Now I sound like a salesman.
"Our Love is Rice and Beans and Horses Lard" |
Edited by - Thomas on 08/11/2006 09:48:36 |
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Visiting Sasquatch
= Cult of Ray =
USA
451 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 10:15:00
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I used to buy everything on CD's...but I ABSOLUTELY hate it when I buy a CD based on a song/a recommendation/ an impulse, and only one or two songs are good, and the rest is filler. That's where iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and Yahoo Music comes in handy...you can literally try before you buy for a fraction of the $15 CD...and if it turns out that it's crap, you're only out $.99...know what I mean? I've probably bought up to $100 of iTunes songs, which if you multiply the same costs for the whole albums, means I've saved (theoreticaly), $1400 ($1500 - $100) in crap albums. The ones that turned out to be good, I bought the whole CD with *NO* regrets.
That sandisk looks real nice Thomas. |
Edited by - Visiting Sasquatch on 08/11/2006 10:16:05 |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 10:44:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Thomas
Do people really spend that much on electronic music? I don’t get it. Sure if there wasn’t a CD format available and e-music was the only alternative. Yes, I’d have to buy it. But who in the hell is buying hundreds upon thousands of music for $1.00 each with nothing to show for it. My MP3 player, a Sansa 4GB, has nothing but songs I already own on CD. One of the great features is that the FM tuner is already installed but what makes it even better is I can record my favorite morning radio program while I’m busy working and then listen to it while I’m on the train ride home.
"Our Love is Rice and Beans and Horses Lard"
People should just download from fileshare programmes and then buy the CD if they like. That's what I often do nowadays.
By the way, your MP3 player looks fantastic. I have never even heard of them before, but I like.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 12:32:15
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I'm going to read some more on it, but i'm pretty much sold on the Sansa. I can see how handy the memory card slot would some in. I've got quite a few as it is.
And it looks cool.
Now to track down a bargain. I guess that theremin i was bidding on at ebay will have to wait.
Seán Says: Do you ever stop and look at yourself in the mirror and think: "Damn, i need a new mirror"
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 12:56:46
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Yeah, the SanDisk and (I believe) Samsung players are vying for third place market-share wise, very popular and well designed. Creative's players have a definite spot in second place, and of course Apple with an overwhelming majority.
"No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself." |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 13:31:52
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I bought a Frontier Labs NEX 3+ for my sister for Christmas.
Negatives:
Plays songs in directories by filename order, no playlists (you need to name files 01-Whatever Happened To Pong.mp3, 02-Thalassocracy.mp3).
Can only use built-in transmitter when the adaptor is plugged in.
Can't record to WAV, just MP3.
FM only tuner.
A bit weak on pulling in weak FM stations.
Have to take out memory card to change battery.
Very basic LCD.
Not all standard AAA batteries fit?
Limited capacity (no internal memory).
Pretty ugly.
Positives:
Cheap, Cheap, Cheap.
SD memory slot.
Not Ipod-Mini small, but small.
I would purchase one if I didn't already own 2 MP3 players which I don't use enough.
Excellent website http://www.frontierlabs.com/ |
Edited by - hammerhands on 08/11/2006 14:36:55 |
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edbanky
= Cult of Ray =
Burkina Faso (Upper Volta)
388 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 14:36:40
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I'm a dork with my player. It's big by today's standards, but boasts features that no other player matches, years following its introduction. He's named Rio Karma.
He does FLAC and OGG and true gapless playback. He has a 5-band parametric (you choose the frequency range for each band) equalizer. He's 20 GB. He has high SNR. I like him muchly.
Due to my present condition and predicaments of being a crippled as a result of the fatal accident that I had, I am not able to carry out this contract because I can only walk on a wheel chair. |
Edited by - edbanky on 08/11/2006 14:42:30 |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 15:02:31
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quesadilla maker
on the one hand i'm skeptical, being a traditionalist.
but at the same time i am curious
"i own Mailbu." |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 15:17:12
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Just bought a Bearvault for my backpacking trip in the High Sierra at the end of the month.
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 15:21:16
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
quesadilla maker
on the one hand i'm skeptical, being a traditionalist.
but at the same time i am curious
"i own Mailbu."
And no doubt they have the same drawbacks as toastie makers.
But an interesting new addition to the kitchen appliance range.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 15:25:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
quote:
Originally posted by floop
quesadilla maker
on the one hand i'm skeptical, being a traditionalist.
but at the same time i am curious
"i own Mailbu."
And no doubt they have the same drawbacks as toastie makers.
But an interesting new addition to the kitchen appliance range.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
the idea of no flipping does grab my attention. but then, i can't help but think that thing would be harder to clean up than my teflon pan
"i own Mailbu." |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 18:05:41
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
quote:
Originally posted by floop
quesadilla maker
on the one hand i'm skeptical, being a traditionalist.
but at the same time i am curious
"i own Mailbu."
And no doubt they have the same drawbacks as toastie makers.
But an interesting new addition to the kitchen appliance range.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
the idea of no flipping does grab my attention. but then, i can't help but think that thing would be harder to clean up than my teflon pan
"i own Mailbu."
This is one of the problems I envisage.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 11:02:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
This is one of the problems I envisage.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
i'm glad we're on the same page about this.
by the way, do you use the word "envisage" in everyday conversation?
"i own Mailbu." |
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ScottP
= Cult of Ray =
USA
618 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 11:26:12
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| I wish for The George Foreman Co. and Sony to put their heads together and figure out a way to put quesadillas directly into my tummy. |
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vilainde
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Niue
7442 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 11:37:09
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Seriously, do you call this a quesadilla?
Denis
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 14:10:52
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quote:
Originally posted by vilainde
Seriously, do you call this a quesadilla?
Denis
No this is the internet Denis.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2462 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 16:01:33
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The quesadilla maker is making me feel uneasy, as if it's trying to communicate. On the other hand, maybe I drank too much coffee tonight.
Back to mp3 players, I still swear my my 20gb iRiver. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 16:09:04
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I still swear by my 40gb iriver.
Floop, I don't really use envisage in every day conversation, but I think perhaps I should.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2006 : 16:24:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
Floop, I don't really use envisage in every day conversation, but I think perhaps I should.
it would certainly lend an element of perspicaciousness to your speech
"i own Mailbu." |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 05:50:25
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I am not even gonna pretend to know what that means. And neither is my dictionary it seems.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 11:54:21
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mr.biscuitdoughhead
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1729 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 12:09:23
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[typingbeforethinking] Yes, what about them?...huh? Oh, you gotta click on them. That looks like it took a long time.[/typingbeforethinking] Anyway:
I have been thinking of getting a recorder thingy (i forget what they're called) just so I can say "Note to self" all the time. It looks fun.
Back to that "Zune" thing:
I might sell some video games/cds to get an mp3 player. And I also have been thinking of selling my PSP which I never do anything with, it seems. I figure I can get about $180, which should be enough for a good mp3 player. Maybe an ipod? I'm not sure.
And I used to sometimes try to catch her, but never even caught her name... |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 14:30:25
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Do you have your PSP up to date with the latest firmware? If so, you'll be able to play way more formats than just mp3's on it(MP3, ATRAC3,WMA, AAC, WAV, MP4{Container format AAC and 3GP}) With more formats likely to be added in future updates. The best thing you could do instead of forking out hundreds for a new player, is search around ebay for a 4gb sandisk memory stick (not those bulky "4gb hdd" an actual memory stick ) for your PSP. I got a 2gb ages ago for €50, you could bag yourself a 4gb for around €100 if your lucky. Or better still, Sony should be releasing a 6gb and 8gb within 6 months (10gb and 20gb memory sticks are only rumours at the moment, but sandisk will most likely be making one)
Your PSP could be your mp3 player. Although i don't use mine as one, i still have about 5 albums on it (FMRM included), a few game demos and game saves, over 3 hours worth of video (Zoolander and a few family guy episodes) and i still have 1.5gb left over.
Of course, the PSP isn't exactly pocket friendly. And you'll become a target for theft. But it's an alternative.
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Edited by - s_wrenn on 08/13/2006 14:57:06 |
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mr.biscuitdoughhead
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1729 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 15:58:05
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Meh, I'd rather get an mp3 player still. I mainly bought the PSP for the games and movies, but I hardly use it for either. I should be able to find a good priced mp3 player on ebay.
And I used to sometimes try to catch her, but never even caught her name... |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2006 : 17:08:12
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I will admit, i actually got completely bored with mine and didn't use it for months. After i got a better memory stick it was all good.
It's only around now that any good(ish) psp games are coming out.
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Edited by - s_wrenn on 08/13/2006 17:12:36 |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
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hammerhands
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1594 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2006 : 09:05:34
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I can't answer about the voice adaptors.
I have a hard disk type mp3 player and the problem with having a mic on board is that you hear the shutter of unit and the whirr of the hard disk. It would be advantageous to have a separate mic.
I was looking at finding a 3rd generation ipod to load linux. This opens up the ipod's innate ability to record at 24bit/96khz. Why Apple crippled this is unimaginable.
Then you need a mic preamp:
Ha! No, really, I've read more about building them than I've seen available. |
Edited by - hammerhands on 08/14/2006 09:15:07 |
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s_wrenn
* Dog in the Sand *
Ireland
1851 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2006 : 10:43:04
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A little tech support needed here:
A few weeks back I bought Country Life by Roxy Music. I went about ripping a copy onto my laptop, but, when I put the CD in all sorts of horrific noises came screaming from the drive.
Firstly it would only play the first two songs (Which I managed to rip, eventually) and nothing after that. Then it wouldn’t play any song at all. After a several more tries at ripping and playing (to no avail) I took the CD out to find hundreds of short scratches on the disc. Thinking that the disc was ruined, i tried it out in every player in the house. And it worked perfectly on all, no skipping, no delays, etc. However, there was similar problems to the laptop when I tested it out on the PC in the other room.
I was now left wondering if the problem was with the disc or with Windows.
I wasn’t able to return the CD because it was so scratched, despite the fact that it played perfectly.
So I decided to go back and buy a second copy, it was only €8, so why not?
When I put the second copy in, and heard the same noises I had heard with the first, I quickly took it out and gave up (It only suffered minor scratching). It too plays perfectly on everything but the laptop and pc.
I wouldn’t mind not being able to rip it, if I could at least play it through the laptop.
I never had a problem like this ripping before, and I’ve tried a few different programs to do it and they all fail to make any progress.
Anyway, to shorten the rambling bullshit, has anyone had a problem like this when ripping CDs? And how did you fix it?
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The Technology/Gadget Thread
