try CDex for the cd ripping to MP3. It is pretty intuitive, and free.

more info on it: CDex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I personally never got an ipod because I've been working at home for the last few years and never had a situation for it (ie. 45 min train rides into the city). I guess if I needed a way to store thousands of songs to play in the car then I'd get it, but I don't have that much music either. If you do, that's probably the best way.

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'08 X5 3.0si - Alpine White / Saddle Brown interior
Specs: Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Tech Pkg, Comfort Access, Aero Kit, Style 433 staggered 20s on Conti DWS
Mods: Carbon 35 tint, LED angel eyes, GP Thunder 7500k fogs, H&R 20mm/25mm spacers, clear reflectors, gunsmoke-tinted taillights
Coded: Digital speedo, windows/sunroof/tailgate close via keyfob

X5 pics at Flickr