iPOD How many cds does it really Hold ?any Tips??

It depends on how much compression you want to use. In theory you can store 10,000 MP3's on a 40gb, probably about 5,000 AAC's, and about 1000 WAV's. Some folks feel using AAC (Apple's proprietary format) results in no real loss in quality, while MP3's are quite a step down. WAV files are for the purists (like me) who believe that lossy compression of any sort is intolerable. It's worth trying the three formats out on the same song and deciding for yourself. As for tips & trips you're best to check out the iPod Lounge and do some reading, plenty there to take in.

http://www.ipodlounge.com/

I haven't tried the Shure's, I use Grado SR60's cuz they're comfortable, fold flat in my laptop bag, and cost ~$50. Wonderful invention, you won't regret it! Best, Jeff

I am using Apple lossless format on my 40gb and think it should hold approx 1,700 tunes or so. You can always move songs/artists/etc to and from your computer, which is nice as well.

I tried the Shure e3c's and were not impressed. I will be honest, I didn't give them the week, nor did I need to. When you insert them into your ear and you get the "suction" to block out exterior noise it also "plugs" your ear. As in the same feeling/sound as when you are underwater. Also, when you swallow, walk, etc. you hear your bodily noises. Not too audiophile to me, at least not for the $$$.

I bought the Grado SR325's and have only been smiling since. They are NOT noise cancelling, so you will have to determine what is better for you. However, I travel and often find myself in a hotel room at night, these are simply awesome, yet still allow you to hear if the phone rings, etc.

As stated above, it depends. If you store music uncompressed you can store about 70 albums. If you use Apple's loseless compression, then double that to 140 albums. The various AAC or MP3 formats can store even more.

I have the 40GB iPod with 5.4 days worth of music (1900 songs), the bulk of which are 320kbs VBR MP3's with some 128kbs and 256kbs MP3's as well as a few in Apple Lossless encoding, all of which uses only 12GB of capacity.

I primarily use it for air travel and I've found sound quality to be fine for that purpose. I use etymotic ER6 earphones (same idea as the Shure's) which work quite well for isolation on planes. Audiofranj is correct, you do hear body noises more clearly with earphones - the first time I ate an airplane pretzel with the etymotics in, I thought my head was exploding. However, I found the sound to be much better than Bose noise cancelling headphones supplied by American Airlines.

Ultimately, the question is what you are planning to use it for.