If you are going to run XP (look at the dell outlet, maybe?), the Inspiron should do just fine. My main systen uses a 1520 as a source. I keep the system clean (not much installed/running) but I do some basic surfing etc on it. If you want to run 7, make surre you load it up with RAM (4g ...

do you have accurate rip enabled? if so, uncheck the option and see if the hang goes away. Mine will hang on open while contacting the servers occassionally.

I agree with the recommendation of going lossless (I would go FLAC, but ALAC is fine). What I WOULDN'T do is use lossless on an iPod. Rip to lossless for archive and to mp3/mp4 for use on the ipod. Lossless offers ZERO advantages when played on a portable and has many negatives.

It sounds like the HD is turning off to save power. Depending on what HD it is, you may be able to hack it or replace it with a drive that doesn't go to sleep.

assuming these FLACS were ripped from CDs, 16bit 44.1k 2 channel is what they should be and what you want to keep them at.

absolutely.

M Audio Transit (~$79) 24/96 w/ Optical out. Amazon.com: M-AUDIO Transit High Resolution Mobile Audio Upgrade: Electronics

The MAudio is perfect as a source, but not as a DAC. Add a DAC to the chain and you will be happy (or replace the MAudio with a usb dac).

I use this: Targus*|*AMP02US*–*Targus Notebook Wireless Presenter gives me play/pause, next, previous and volume down. Works from any room in the house (2.4g wireless) so no need to have a clear shot of the computer. No install/drivers etc.

there are a number of methods available. you can start here: DVD Video to Audio CD Guide - Club CD Freaks - Knowledge is Power there are a couple of apps available that will do it directly, but do to the unclear ethics/legality of such an app, you will need to do some googling to find...

Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 Hmm that's what I thought too. Not a matter of opinion; it is a fact. Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 But one day after I transcoded some APE to FLAC for my rockbox'd iPod I found I could hear a difference between them...

FLAC and APE are lossless. Unless something is seriously broken on your system FLAC and APE files will sound EXACTLY like the original tracks.

Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 I would strongly recommend storing everything in APE format. They also sound slightly better than FLAC on Foobar2k Sorry, but this is not even slightly based in reality.

Nothing with DRM

+1 Amazon. Very happy with the q. (great selection, too)