Posted 06/18/2007 at 07:53:21pm

I can hear the difference between bitrates of 128, 160 and 192Kbps. I however do not notice the difference between bitrates exceeding 192Kbps. Also, irregardless of operating system, I do not use any bundled software to play my media files. I use third party software, and by the way "Codecs" used in Vista or XP are dealt with no differently between operating systems. Windows 98 or Windows Vista is of no difference whatsoever. As for DRM, I don't use any device which support DRM media. I prefer to use my media encoded with whatever codec I choose and in whatever bitrate I decide to encode it in. So as far as the ruling goes with the 128 or 256 Kbps, I really don't care, as it doesn't affect me. I will never buy an Ipod or any other device which forces me to use DRM. Get a Pocket PC. You can play music, movies, control Television or VCR's, Navigate with GPS, transfer files with your cell phones, Make cell phone or internet voice calls, Use the internet, Alarm clock and timepiece, all in one, and have the upgrade ability with the expansion slots that they come with. If your battery dies, you can always replace them too unlike Ipods.