nole98

All right, ... let me first state, I am clueless when it comes to this stuff. So assume I know nothing.

I just got my CF card in the mail, ... and I want to move some MP3 files from a data CD onto my CF card (to be played with Windows Media). Several questions, ...

1. Do I need to format the card first? If so, ... how do you do that?

2. Do I need to convert the MP3 files to another format to save space? If so, ... how do you do that?

3. Can somebody walk me through the process of getting the files from the data CD over to my CF card, ... and then playing them with Windows Media?

Thanks in advance.

pmoto

1) I have never had to reformat a card prior to using it. However, some believe that doing so may reduce the chances of having problems with the card in the future.

2) You do not need to convert the MP3 files to another format. Although WMP also plays WMA files (which are smaller) so its up to you whether you want to convert them to WMA to save space.

3) Copying the MP3s onto your CF card is pretty simple assuming you have ActiveSync working correctly between your Axim and PC. Once you have established an ActiveSync session you can use Windows Explorer to copy the files from your PC to your Axim. The Axim's CF card will show up in the Mobile Device\My Pocket PC\CF card folder under My Computer. Some recommend putting the MP3s in a folder named My Documents on the CF card. Once they are on the CF card simply fire up WMP and browse to the CF card and you should be able to select and play any of the MP3s.

I should point out that using ActiveSync to copy files is pretty slow. It is MUCH faster if you use a CF card reader to copy the files to the CF card. If you don't already have one, they are relatively inexpensive and a hugh time saver when it comes to transferring files.

nole98

1. How do I convert the MP3 files to a WMA format?

2. I was browsing around in WMP on my PC and it looks like there is an option there to move files over to the Axim. Would you recommend using ActiveSync or WMP? Or am I getting confused?

3. Just curious, ... how long does the average song take to transfer using ActiveSync as opposed to a card reader?

Thanks again.

pmoto

1) There are numerous utilities that will convert between various audio formats. Some are freeware, others charge for the utility. Just do a search on the internet for MP3 and/or WMA encoders/converters.

2) You are correct, you can use WMP on the PC to sync/copy files to your Axim (I believe this includes playlists). I have not tried this method so don't know how well it works.

3) I don't have exact times, but using my card reader I can copy a 4MB MP3 file in about 5 seconds. With ActiveSync it would probably take close to 1 minute for the same transfer.