Forget iPod video for movies - Get an Archos
October 26, 2005 by Mike Wendland
Readers are sendlng me lots of links and tips on how they’ve been able to get non-Apple provided video on their iPods.
While they insist it’s all quite easy, my initial read of the instructions for the tools they suggest has convinced me that it’s way, way too cumbersome for average users.
One free download that several readers suggested is called Videora Converter. A forum discussion is devoted to iPod conversions.
For DVDs, readers suggest starting with a free program called DVD Decrypter. But if you think that is a simple process, read how-to guides like this one. If you’re comfortable dealing with things like VOB and IFO files and ASPI layers then have at it. If not, then you’ll agree with me that this is for geeks only.
I see no simple, easy, mainstream solution for getting movies on iPods.
If that is what you want to do, you’re much better off buying a gizmo called the Archos, which is only a tad bigger than the iPod.There are several Archos models, and they do music, photos and video but - unlike the iPod - they actually record and let you transfer movies and TV shows. Archos does it so well that Dish Network is remarketing a trio of its models as a PocketDish player that you can connect it right to your Dish DVR and download saved shows. One version even has a seven inch screen.
It seems to me that you’re doing a lot of wavering on what’s good today. You rant about how the iPod video is going to be a blockbuster, because it’s so cool, and then you tell people to forget it and get an Archos.
You’ve been on a tear for the past couple of years, since switching to a Mac, telling people how much better the Mac and OS X is, and then you get your hands on a Tablet PC, and then tell everyone it’s the future, and imply that Windows isn’t so bad after all.
Which is it?
It seems to me that you’re doing a lot of wavering on what’s good today. You rant about how the iPod video is going to be a blockbuster, because it’s so cool, and then you tell people to forget it and get an Archos.
You’ve been on a tear for the past couple of years, since switching to a Mac, telling people how much better the Mac and OS X is, and then you get your hands on a Tablet PC, and then tell everyone it’s the future, and imply that Windows isn’t so bad after all.
Which is it?
It seems to me, Karl… that you are impatient… posting the same thing twice without hitting refresh
The iPod video is awesome but it doesn’t do DVDs and movies. If that is what you want, then the Archos is the unit to get. What pray, tell, is “wavering” about that?
The Tablet PC and OneNote is the most innovative thing I’ve yet seen from Microsoft.
Because Macs are great, I’m not supposed to tell people about new products from other companies?
Karl.
It is NOT either or.
I agree — your comments are quite odd Mike… I love the blog, but it’s like you’ve got a polar disorder with technology. You see the iPod and “it’s the next big thing.” Then you have a meeting with Bill Gates and take out your tablet PC and that’s the greatest thing you’ve ever used. I think the tablet PC is a neat idea, but it hasn’t taken off and I don’t ever see it taking off for the everyday consumer. AND it’s running Windows!! Have you forgotten Windows?!? 63,000+ viruses and counting!! Not to mention the Archos player is HUGE and unwiedly, gonna stick that in your pocket?? Battery life is about the same on both devices. I DO wish the iPod could record video, play satellite radio and create world peace… but patience Mike, patience…. all in due time ;0)
Sorry guys, but I think you are reading something into the blog that’s not there. Mike thinks the new iPod is the next big thing! That means he thinks, it’s the next big thing. It’s going to be popular, it will sell a lot, people will want it. He thinks the tablet PC is the greatest thing he’s ever used. That means he thinks it’s the greatest thing he has ever used. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be popular, or that it will sell a lot, or that a lot of people will want it. It just means he feels it’s the greatest thing he has ever used. When I read the article on the tablet PC I took it more as a endorsement to the idea of a tablet PC, not a debate of Windows or OS-X. Same thing with the Archos. The new iPod is the next big thing, but if you want to watch movies, get a Archos, because it’s easier to use with movies than the new iPod. I don’t really see any wavering, or a polar disorder with technology. I do however think Mike has too many computers, cameras, bikes and has to much fun with all these gadgets; and I’m envious.
Mike, these are just those Apple zealots going off with their personality disorders… disregard them. I appreciate the fact that you are not blinded by all things Mac (though I know, I know, it is a great system) but that you also are willing to look at other technology and are open enough to not hate everything that has a connection to Microsoft.
Nobody gives credence to the Apple wackos, Mike, so don’t let them get you down.
“Apple wacko”? Hah! I like that! I’m pretty sure I don’t have a personality disorder T.R. - but I’ll make sure I keep that in mind — is it, Dr. T.R. ?
Anyways, I just find it interesting how Mike goes back and forth with the technology. While he may not *mean* to make endorsements in his articles, they’re clearly there. I know he loves Macs and Apple products and rightfully so - they’re great, quality products. And, I know he likes the tablet PC - I personally don’t see the thrill of it, kind of neat, but nothing I see the everyday consumer ever buying in mass amounts. I’m sure it has many applications where it can be put to good use. I like technology and I like other products that are non-Apple. However, in his article about the tablet PC, he writes,
“As Gates walked into the room he quickly spotted me and the Tablet PC I was using. The last time we met, back in the spring during a previous visit, he was so taken by my use of the Tablet that he mentioned it and me by name during a speech in Seattle to the effect that I “got it” when it came to tech. “You’re my favorite reporter,” he said with a smile yesterday, nodding towards the new Motion LS800 Tablet PC I had in front of me. He was referring to my strong enthusiasm for the Tablet platform and, in particular, an absolutely amazing piece of Microsoft software called OneNote.”
Ok, you’re his favorite reporter — sounds like you’re a bit too excited to be so loved by Mr. Gates. Maybe it’s my lack of respect for Mr. Gates. I don’t want to create a Microsoft vs. Apple war here - but c’mon, one company creates and innovates and the other…. ? I am not “blinded” by Apple technology, in fact, I’m more than open to other companies’ products. But you can’t dispute the fact that Apple, for the most part, consistently makes products that are well thought out, make sense and are logical to use, not to mention they look beautiful. People create emotional connections with their iPods/Macs — what other computer products do you know of that cause this type of reaction?
The headlines go from, “The iPod is Amazing” to “Forget the iPod for Video” to “The iPod is the next big thing” to ……
That’s all I was commenting on — but isn’t this what the blog’s for? To have an open forum to discuss his entries and the technology? Must I agree with Mike? No! But I like his blog, I like his writing and I appreciate the multitude of technology he tests out and reviews. So keep up the good work and no offense intended.
T.R. - ditch your PC and get a real computer. :0)
No offense taken here by me… I love the comments and insights from all of you.,, and I appreciate your checking in and reading all this stuff.