Mom Tech for Mother's Day
Something to Get My Old Records Onto My iPod
Dear Tom,
I figured out how to get my CDs onto my iPod -- that wasn't so scary. But, what about all of my old vinyl? I'd love to listen to those old Allman Brothers and Joni Mitchell records of mine in the car or on a jog. How do I do that?
Love,
Mom
Dear Mom,
You've got two options. The first is this: I can give you an iTunes gift certificate so you can repurchase all of your old music for you through the iTunes store. Since you've got about 50 records, I'm going to give you a $200 gift certificate, which is enough to convert about half your collection (the other half will come on your birthday).
The second option -- and one that will let you do your whole vinyl collection now -- is for me to get you a turntable with a USB connection you can plug into the computer. According to NPR, sales of vinyl are are actually up 10 percent in the first quarter of 2007, so it's not just former hippies like you that are hungry for this kind of technology. A model like the Stanton T.90 is a little too DJ-centric for your needs, so I can get you the $200 Ion Audio iTTTUSB10. Plug it in and the included software lets you easily convert your old jams into iPod-friendly MP3s. It supports 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records and has line-level outputs for connecting to the home stereo. It even comes with a retro-looking dust cover so you and Dad can pretend it's the '70s again.
Love,
Tom
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