mp3

It's easy to create ringtones for free with iTunes using the steps outlined below, and then you can upload them to your cell phone with a USB data cable or a Bluetooth connection.

These instructions are for iTunes version 10.2.1 which you can download for free from http://www.apple.com/itunes. With iTunes installed and your music either imported from a CD or downloaded from the iTunes store, here are the steps to create a free ring tone:

1. Configure the iTunes mp3 convertor

Open iTunes and click the Preferences menu (Tools -- Preferences on Windows).

Click Import Settings.

Change the Import Using option to MP3 Encoder.

Click OK to save your changes, and OK one more time to exit the Settings screen.

2. Make an MP3 version of your song

Right-click on the song in iTunes and select Create MP3 Version from the pop-up menu.

This will create a copy of the song and save it in MP3 format.

NOTE: Do not select "Create Ringtone", as this option will charge your account, and also only works with songs you have purchased through the iTunes store.

3. Change the song length to 30 seconds

You should now see a second copy of the song. Right-click on the second copy (the new one) and click Get Info from the popup menu.

Click the Options tab and set the Stop Time to 0:30 for 30 seconds.

Upload the ringtone to your phone using a usb data cable or Bluetooth

Question: I've resisted buying an ipod so far because I am an audiophile and I hate the idea of compressed music, which I equate to poor sound quality! Can you transfer whole CDs directly into an ipod from a CD player without compression? If you could, it would still mean you could store around 220 full CDs onto a 160 gb ipod and get absolute sound quality.

Answer: You're going to love the sound that comes from an ipod, for a number of reasons.

First, to answer your question - yes, you can transfer whole CDs to your ipod without compression. Using iTunes, select Edit -- Preferences and then click the Import Settings button to configure CD import settings.

The default import encoder setting is AAC, and you have options for importing at 128kbps or 256kbps (stereo bit rate), or can choose a custom import quality level up to 320kbps.

If you prefer using an MP3 encoder, then you can select that option as well - with custom bit rate options up to 320 kbps.

You probably already know this, but for others reading this article: keep in mind that a larger bit rate settings (the kbps number) means higher quality music files but also larger files. The larger the files, the better they'll sound - in theory anyway - and the less you can store on your ipod.

Most ears won't notice the difference between 128kbps and 256kbps however, especially considering you'll most likely be listening to the music with headphones in an area where other background noises can be heard.

Question: Is their a way to make a song (mp3) into a ringtone on my LG Dare? I could do it with my N70 and this is a better cell!