[Atlplasma]

Greetings:

I'd like to convert the contents of my library to MP3 while keeping the original content unchanged. I've tried reading up on the procedure but can't seem to find a way to convert tracks without creating duplicates in my current library.

My preference is to keep MP3 (for the iPod) and higher rez separate. Any suggestions?

[baldrick]

My only suggestion is to forget MP3.
Either use Apple Lossless or some other codec like AAC that doesn't mangle the sound as badly as MP3.
Drive space is so cheap nowadays that it makes sense to store everything uncompressed (or the very least in a lossless format).

[Mike Nomad]

My only suggestion is to forget MP3.
Either use Apple Lossless or some other codec like AAC that doesn't mangle the sound as badly as MP3.
Drive space is so cheap nowadays that it makes sense to store everything uncompresses (or the very least in a lossless format).

+1.

[Atlplasma]

Thanks for the replies, but let me clarify. I plan to put the MP3s on an iPod nano. Since I'll be listening through earbuds, I'm willing to give up some resolution to have more music on the nano.

[Mike Nomad]

~

[Len_Dreyer]

I agree with Mike & baldrick. With time you might find other uses for your Ipod. I use mine for our outdoor deck system, in our cars and lately some of the hotels we've stayed at have had nice Ipod clock radio systems in the room.

As to your original question, one way to solve your problem if your using Windows, is to take your duplicates and put them in a separate folder, create another user on the system and have iTunes for the new user point to the new folder you created.

Len

[Atlplasma]

I'm on a mac, but I don't think that's an issue. So the consensus is that AAC is the preferred format.

So I should make a new library and then import everything in AAC, correct? Then I can sync this library with the nono.

I would need to log into my computer under a new account to make this work, correct?

Thanks for your patience on this one.

[Len_Dreyer]

I would suggest you only need one library with all the files converted to apple lossless and then you wouldn't need the additional user and the headaches of maintaining two libraries.

Len

[Crimson]

You have two options:

1. Retain all the AAC files in the same library and separate them via Smart Playlists.

2. Create a separate library by holding down the Option key while starting iTunes. This way you can switch between libraries without having to log in as a different user.

[Atlplasma]

I've had some issues with Apple Lossless and now typically import using AIFF. So my library is a mix of both.

For the nano, I want more content even if its lower resolution. It looks like AAC will be the way to go.

I wouldn't maintain two libraries of course. Just convert one and then move it to the trash.

Just saw Crimson's suggestion on the option key. Sounds like a winner.

[Len_Dreyer]

Hey Crimson 

Do you know if your second option works with Windows too?

Len

[Crimson]

Hey Crimson 

Do you know if your second option works with Windows too?

Len

Ask and ye shall receive.

[Len_Dreyer]

Thanks much.

In the past, I used the second user account, when I had my music spread across two hard drives.

Len