Don't you have to burn them at 1x?

Not if you pick up a NetMD model. And luckily, just about every new one you encounter is NetMD compatible.

Hmmm maybe this is the answer... I've never done this in a systematic way. I've reserved MP3'ing for stuff I got off the net, rather than ripping of my current collection for portability. So, I'm gonna try it. I have a couple challenges, first time to rip, etc. that you've all mentioned. My first project now features 9 or 10 CDs plus excerpts from some others, and it's worked well. The ripping process is somewhat challenging to the resources of my poor old computer, but we're getting by.

My second challenge is playing them on the road: I have a Rio MP3 CD player, and it works fine w/ a cassette adapter in my old car. The new minivan, however (you may remember a thread about this issue with a mini FM transmitter) has a CD player, which while, on the face of it is an upgrade, means that I can't plug in any external source like an MP3 player. I have invested in a small set of speakers from Radio Shack that seems tailor made for this purpose (come with a carrying case, no cables to tangle up), which I'm going to try out on the road shortly. Tests at home suggest that quality of the speakers is good, but not as good as the built-in system in the minivan. Still... I have always been of the school of thought that super-fabulous audio fidelity is wasted in an environment with as much noise as a car driving down the road. So we'll see.

I think I've found out what Nic does for a living. I also think his real name is Johnny Appleseed.

Truth is ... I've got nothing to do with Apple. My first computer was a Mac II. I don't have any Apple toys now, but I do luv 'em. And I really like their new products and marketing.

lol.