music downloads

[gspeye2]

What are my options for getting music. It seems that I can only transfer via usb cable.  Where do I get the music, what are my options and best recommendations.  I am a newby at the whole music thing and don't like the idea of stacking cds in my car, I would like to put them on my phone to listen to.  It seems everywhere I go it is costly and not so easy.  Thanks,

[DarkCobra]

Actually, this is going to be phone specific.   You didn't indicate which phone you have.   Some are more music centric than others.   Some are capable of wireless music streaming like the Rhapsody Music Service.   A data cable can install music on some phones and music can be installed on a phone via a micro-SD card if your phone takes flash memory.   Without knowing the specific phone you have, these are the general methods of getting music on a phone that is capable of music.

[LukeTech]

In my opinion, and to give you a general answer, I would suggest the following:

Rip music from your CD collection. iTunes or Windows Media Player (I believe) does this. Choosing a higher bit rate will create a larger file size that sounds better. Cost: Free, assuming you own CDs.

Use a MicroSD card if your phone supports it and USB adapter: Memory cards are relatively cheap and with about $50 you can get a descent capacity (4GB) and a USB adapter. In some cases such as a laptop that has an SD card slot, you won't need an adapter. Using a cable, I have found, is a little slower and can be more complicated if the drivers aren't available (for XP, Vista or Mac).

Format the card on your phone, copy the tunes over to it and you are set. I haven't used my iPod in months...