There is a lot of talk about podcasts and many people are still confused by them. Here are some common misunderstandings:
“I need an Apple iPod to listen to Podcasts”: This is not true: You do not even need an MP3 player, just a PC or MAC with an internet connection. Ok lets deal with the iPOD myths first. There is a lot of hype around these devices, the reality is that they are reasonably well designed portable MP3 players but they have a lot of drawbacks.
iPods all have internal batteries, so forget trying to use them on long journeys. A Basic player that takes AAA batteries can beat any iPod for travellers as the batteries can be purchased anywhere in the world. Also high capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries last longer than alkaline batteries! I use a set on my MP3 Player, and they last longer than 20 hours! When your iPod battery does die (usually after 14 or 18 months of use) a replacement may cost you more than a new iPod Nano! There are cheaper, better designed, and more flexible options to consider. People bang on about the build quality of iPods and they are well put together with a nice interface, but there are products with MUCH better build quality and better interfaces. If you want a reliable and robust player get one that does not have a hard disk. These units use flash memory and so have no moving parts. I like the range made by EZAV. I’m not suggesting you do not buy an iPod, but look at some of the options and decide for yourself! Finally there is no need to carry an entire collection around with you on some huge capacity player, an external hard disk for your MAC or PC is cheaper and simpler to manage, to can backup the files and even burn them to CD or DVD. Remember prices are plummeting, so if you want a unit with replaceable batteries, a voice recorded, bookmarks, etc get one with ALL the features you need. If you find one that takes SD card, even better as you can always buy more cheap SD cards and upgrade your player.
“I have to pay for all podcasts; if I do not then I am pirating music.” Most podcasts are available for FREE AND LEGAL DOWNLOAD.
“I need to buy special PC or MAC speakers and amplifiers to get the most from internet music and podcasts” Rubbish, most audio equipment from computer manufactures is overpriced rubbish. Get a good quality amplifier and Speaker use the ones from your hifi, all you will need is a 3.5mm jack from the back of your PC to your amp (usually phono or RCA jacks) get some quality leads made from Oxygen Free Copper. The quality of the leads (known as interconnects) is critical to get quality sound. Today even the most basic soundcards have optical out use this if you can the connector is usually an SPDIF, of course your amp needs a spare optical input. Ask at your hifi store not your computer store!