Quote:
AAC Cons. iPods are the only player that plays AAC natively.DRM, though it has been bypassed for iTune AAC files recently. |
Not exactly true. AAC is not natively DRM. In fact, iTunes encoded AAC files or Nero encoded AAC files are NOT DRM. Only purchased music from iTunes or Real's music stores is DRM.
What remains to be seen is if AAC will gain more hardware support. given that Apple has just formed an iPod division, let's hope this means AAC compatible car stereos, home components, etc.
Right now, use MP3, with a back-up in a lossless format (WMA, FLAC, APE, or Apple Lossless) for future encoding to the best format that emerges. It's your safest bet. Use LAME and the alt preset (medium, standard, or extreme) preset of your choice and you will be very happy.
OGG Vorbis gets a lot of good reviews but it is tough on the battery of portables. Plus as mentioned, very little support. Definitely a con.
WMA is fine if you use a higher bit rate (like 2 Pass VBR 192) and don't own an iPod. It has great hardware support. But it provides no advantage over MP3 despite M$'s claims. Why use it?