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XPlay: iPod with Windows
meanie writes "Mediafour, a company which specializes in cross-platform software introduced the XPlay software to link up your iPod with Windows. Looks like a solid product, but since I didn't buy an iPod due to lack of a Mac, I haven't been able to check out the software. Anyone try this yet? I might just buy an iPod now."
I bought an iPod for about 2 months now (the 10GB version) and I don't own a Mac. My Gateway notebook only has a 4-pin (??? the small one anyway) FireWire port, but it works fine with the iPod.
I downloaded the XPlay beta versions and have had success using it since the beginning, although there have been a few hiccups along the way.
I just purchased XPlay 1.0 online today, but have not installed it yet. The last feature that I was waiting for was to be able to permanently disable the system tray icon and now they say that they enabled it...so I am happy.
Overall, a good product...although I do wish I could copy my MP3s from it, instead of only to it.
I did try my iPod with my mom's iMac/iTunes and it worked great...definitely the best way to go, but XPlay is the next best thing.
-> richard
No - Office v.X on the Mac is mostly self contained within it's own folder - many Mac products' install instructions are as simple as "Darg this folder to your hard-drive".
:o)
Office XP on Windows requires product activation and ties itself extensively into your Windows Registry.
So there's another reason to buy a Mac - software is easier to install
Matt Thompson - Actuality - Insert product here.
Its great that Windows users will get to feed MP3s to this player, however, without iTunes, I think you will be missing the full "iPod Experience". I don't think I have ever seen a hardware product work so well with software. Its just plain seamless. Even my Mom was able to figure it out on the first try when my Dad gave an iPod to her after seeing mine. The VCR flummuxes her -- it has flashed 12:00 for three years.
I am sure that XPlay is some devious plot by Steve Jobs to get all of you guys to switch. I don't see how XPlay can compete with iTunes in dealing with the iPod. iTunes is the best UNIX based MP3 player around, if not the best MP3 player, period.
Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.
I have been doing the beta test stuff with xPlay on my 10 gig iPod and purchased the 1.0 version yesterday.
I had a few minor problems with a couple of the betas with respect to firewire ports. In my case the Audigy Fireway ports sometimes hung, but many others had no difficulty whatsoever with the Audigy cards. I went to the Adaptec Duo card and have had no problems since.
I have about 1,663 mp3s at 140 kbit or so encoding and have used about 7.34 gig of the 9.27 or so available. I use the remaining 1.92 gig to backup the office data daily. Works great. Obviously, it is not a longterm backup solution but it amounts to the belt part of my "belt and suspenders solution." It gives me that little extra comfort level.
Now I just need to find a cassette adapter which will work in my GM car radio and I will be happy.
As an Archos Jukebox owner, I can say I'm quite happy. More storage, half the price. By the way, if you get one of these it's worth noting that Archos intentionally mislabeled the AC adapter that comes with the unit as a 9V DC output, which should ring 10-11V under no-load conditions. In reality it rings approximately 15-16V, so I assume it needs to supply a steady 12V under load. This is important if you want to buy a DC adapter to power the unit in a car for example.
I have an Archos Studio 20 and wouldn't recommend it. Intensely buggy -- constant power problems and disk errors. I'll probably chuck it and buy an iPod when iPod Linux support is mature.