I guess I'm techno-challenged

[disykat]

I consider myself pretty computer literate - I can manuever the web, write papers, make brochures,etc. I have a cell phone and a dvd player (granted, I got them later than most people and I still have never used the dvd player, but....).

I am starting to wonder if I'm the only person in the world who has no clue what an IPOD is? I do have a basic notion about an MP3 player, but I've never seen one up close and personal. Am I alone? I just saw something that talked about IPOD being last year's thing at Christmas and it hasn't even really hit my radar yet. I honestly don't even know it's function. I just realized how behind I am!

 

[cardaway]

Think of it as a small dedicated computer. It basically a big hard drive with media software, a small monitor, and and audio out jacks.

Personally I've always wondered why it took so long for these to be manufactured. People have been using their computers to listen to music ever since CD drives replaced the floppy.

 

[coliebird]

I'll join you in the techno-challanged club LOL. I don't have an IPOD (and probably never will), but I know that you can download music onto them. Other than that, I don't know anything else. I am so behind the times.

For me, it's TIVO. I still don't understand how it works no matter how often people explain it to me.

 

[disykat]

So IPODs are for playing music, but have video - whereas MP3 are just music without video? Am I close?

 

[Chicago526]

For me, it's TIVO. I still don't understand how it works no matter how often people explain it to me.

Can I try?

A Tivo or DVR is basicly a VCR, only cooler and better. It records tv, just like a VCR. But instead of a tape, it stores the shows on a computer-like hard drive. With me so far?

With a Tivo or DVR (DVR's are like Tivo's, only you rent them through your cable or satelite company), instead of programing a date, time, and channel to record, you just go to the tv listings through the tv and pick what show(s) you want to tape. Most newer Tivo's and DVR's can even tape two shows on differant channels at the same time!

Another slick feature is pausing live tv. You're watching your FAVORITE tv show, and the phone rings. You check your caller id and it's someone you want to (or have to!) talk to. You hit "pause" on your remote, and it pauses the show and starts to record. Once you're ready to watch tv again, you start it up and pick up where you left off, and because you are now recording you can fast forward through comericals, too!

 

[cardaway]

So IPODs are for playing music, but have video - whereas MP3 are just music without video? Am I close?

ipods can basically play anything a computer can. The hard drive and software are virtually the same.

And just to confuse you, you can now download TV episodes and play themn on a newer video ipod. Personally I think that little feature be very popular. I'm certainly going to use it, but with my computer which has a much bigger screen.

 

[coliebird]

Another slick feature is pausing live tv. You're watching your FAVORITE tv show, and the phone rings. You check your caller id and it's someone you want to (or have to!) talk to. You hit "pause" on your remote, and it pauses the show and starts to record. Once you're ready to watch tv again, you start it up and pick up where you left off, and because you are now recording you can fast forward through comericals, too!

This part totally explains A LOT. I never understood how you can pause live television. I didn't know it started recording. Thank you. You did help

disykat - sorry to hijak your IPOD thread.