McGrath, - I recommend iTunes for converting your CDs, absolutely brilliant, very quick (and free!) - I don't think there's any difference between Mac and PC (I have PC). You simply stick the CD in, click download and it all happens before your very eyes. I suspect all of the similar programs do it but I love the way the track numbers, names, time, genre boxes all fill in automatically (there's an auto-access route to some master database).

Though I haven't needed to do it, when you attach your iPod to the USB it comes up as an E: drive in My Computer, then you can do what you like. Allegedly.

On the battery front, I guess it depends how much you use the beast. I go on the principle that technology moves so fast that my iPod will probably be well redundant by the time the battery expires.

cheers, Terry