Apple's refusal to work with Napster

It's actually Napster's copy protection that the iPod won't play. "As
with video, any audio file that you can play in iTunes will play on
your iPod, including MP3, AIFF, WAV (uncompressed), AAC, and Audible
(.aa) files."

iPod 101: Which Files Work With iPod and iTunes
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304784

iPod: Frequently Asked Questions
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920

IF the files that were downloaded from Napster were just .wma files
instead of protected .wma files, you could convert the files to a
supported format simply by importing them into iTunes.

Try complaining to the right people next time.

See if this works..I've recently had similar problems with my first
iPod..Something was not going right & I could not download the wav
files or something,i don't remember..Anyway..Get a blank re-writable
disc.Download all your music to discs.Then Re-uplaod them through the
iTunes part that goes with the iPod.I had to rename all the
titles/artists,but I was able to hear them with my iPod!! Hope it
helps..

I personally see nothing wrong with what Apple is doing. There are
plenty of video players and learning games out there for kids right
now that only accept one type of cartridge. If I were to use your
line of thinking, then I should be able to go out and purchase a new
V-Smile for my child that allows me to continue using my old Leap Pad
cartridges. Doesn't make good business sence.

The iPod works for DMR-free music in MP3, WAV, and a few other
formats.

What the iPod doesn't do is work with DRM (that's "Digital Rights
Management") encrypted products in any format other than Apple's own.

While we're at it, my old Creative player didn't work with music
purchased at the iTunes music store. Or Napster. Or any number of
other DRM-schemes.

I also have a Canon printer. It won't accept Lexmark printer
cartridges.

While it's be nice if every music player was licensed to use any
DRM-scheme, it's a sad fact that each manufacturer needs to negotiate
terms with each DRM-owner. In this case, Apple has made a business
decision to not license DRM from anyone. It's working for them, so
there's little chance of them stopping. Short of them losing some
sort of lawsuit.

In addition the channeling your anger at Apple, contact Napster and
ask that they provide you with a DRM-free version of the music. After
all, you paid for it. My guess is that they will refuse.

As I posted elsewhere, if your morals permit, you might want to seek
out a (potentially illegal) DRM-breaking program.

That's odd. When I downloaded iTunes, it searched for any mp3 or wave
files I had on my computer, and put them in my iTunes. This includes
mp3s from all other sources, including Napster and CDs that I
uploaded.

Just make sure your Napster files are in My Documents/My Music.

Good luck

Ok... i wont comment on your attitude at the end...but some programs
arent compatible with certain things. And did you ever think it would
be NAPSTER that doesn't want to work with APPLE? hmmm... get off YOUR
high horse pal.

I recently purchased an IPod. I have over 400 songs on my computer,
some downloaded through LimeWire some downloaded straight from a cd.
My IPod works fine with the LimeWire music. Did you try having ITunes
import your Napster music and letting it convert to ITunes format.
Then it should work with no problem from their. It is true that you
will not be able to download onto the IPod directly from you Napster
program but you should be albe to convert the music to ITunes format
and ready for downloading.

While we are discussing i-tunes, can anyone tell me why when I try to
run the setup program, it says it is not a valid Win32 application? I
know this is a weird place to ask such a question, but I can't seem to
get a straight answer from anyone else!

The Ipod is a well established product in the marketplace and by no
means a "fad". Fad of course is defined by a temporary fashion, device
or notion that is enthusiasticly followed by a large group.*
Considering that the Ipod was a breakthrough product that has been on
the market for many years now and has demonstrated, for the most part,
durabilty, convinence and user friendliness, I don't think it
qualifies.

If you would, can you name the brand of Mp3 player that you are
purchasing for your daughter so that I may do a quick comparison of
the two products?

I also like to know why is it that on virtually every letter you
conveniently have some little life story to spice up your post with
experience? It's starting to get a little old.

*Def from Dictionary.com

Tina is right that there are dozens on the market that will work with
Napster: Dell, Samsung, Gateway, Creative, are countless others. Apple
made the decision to close itself off from all digital music services,
not just Napster, which makes the "is it legal or illegal" question
moot. However, this isn't going to change, it's a decision that Apple
made, so it's unfortunately just one more thing that an educated
(educated in the PRODUCT, not in general. back down, wolves) consumer
needs to know before purchasing an MP3 player. And even if he didn't
buy it, he could have chosen to return it and buy another brand, no?

BTW:
1.Creative Lab Zen micro- cheaper than IPOD, 1 gig more space, better
reviews in general, works.. with napster.
2. IRiver H10- 2 gigs bigger than IPOD, cheaper, brilliant sound,
batteries run out a little quickly, but works with IPOD
3. Creative Lab V- 30 gigs (25 more than IPOD!), MUCH more expensive
than IPOD, but kills Apple on video quality and sound quality.

Just a few, but ones I'd buy before buyiing an IPOD anyday.
Personally, I own a Sandisk, 1 gb, POS, but that's because I'm poor :P
At least it's pink...