I've finally decided to get off my bum and go spend some of this graduation money. I just got a Dell 600m, but it didn't come with a case. If I plan on doing some hardcore traveling, any recommended companies/models (like super-padded)?

For the Mp3 player, I'm not much of an antisocial guy. I like to run and listen to stuff around me, so it's just for speeches, programs,etc. (like from h2k2 and off-the-wall). Any recommended brands (probably 256mb) that can play a LOT of different files? Thanks ahead!

Cheers,
Galen

Grats on the new laptop.

Targus bags always seem to be the best, mainly because they're used the most.
http://www.targus.com/us/
There are tons to choose from. From backpacks to rollers, I belive they can be a bit expensive, but well worth it.

In regards to the MP3 Player, the iPod shuffle looks like a nice little MP3 player. Some people don't like it because it does not have a LCD screen on it. It's not meant to, it's meant to be a tiny mp3 player that can shuffle your music around. No muss no fuss.

The 512mb iPod Shuffle is $99 (cheapest shuffle)
The 4gig iPod mini is $200 (cheapest mini)

The latest LINUXjournal covers using an iPod with linux, there are tons of other resources too.
-Jason

Thanks man! I had the same mal-feeling towards the shuffle for that reason...just if I want to choose what I want, I'm limited by the lack of display. However, I can just put the songs I want in a specific order and committ it to memory, if the shuffle is that great. I did a little research a while back, and it just seemed that the other players in that range had an LCD and more compatability with files -- but I could very well be wrong (I wasn't really paying close attention to the details).So, in summary, you'd recommend the shuffle for its stability and compatability with Linux? Thanks again!

Cheers,
Galen

Just in case anyone is interested, here is the final outcome.

iRiver 512mb iPF-795 (If I could do it again I'd go 1gb iPF-799)

http://www.iriveramerica.com/prod/ul...0/ifp_795.aspx

Targus Ultra Lite Corporate Traveler with Air Protection (Perfect Size for my Dell 600m)

http://www.targus.com/us/product_det...p?sku=CUCT01UA

The iRiver rules, and I've just started messing around with it. Quality is perfect, and you can also directly record & encode FM radio stations, voice, and line-in (comes with the cable too).

Cheers,
Galen

Cool, glad you're happy.

I'm sorry I didn't get a reply in, my original post didn't mention that I have no experience with the iPods, only what I've read. But again, I'm glad you got the setup you wanted.

-Jason

My cousin has an iPod. I'm pretty sure the advantage is that you're "cooler" and that it has the touch pad to scroll through songs. The iRiver can copy both ways (to and from HD) with a USB-Mass Storage Firmware "hack" (even though it's offered by the company). It records line-in and FM and encodes them directly into mp3, as well as voice recording at 32kbs (I might be able to increase the value, the manual is intimidatingly-thick). So it matches the iPod's quality for music, and then it doubles it with a recording feature to match in quality. At least, that's how I see it.

Cheers,
Galen