[lug] mp3 jukebox

[dio2002 at indra.com]

i'm wondering if anybody has set up an mp3 jukebox out there.

i'm looking for a "tiny" footprint box / appliance that can accomodate at
least one large ide drive to serve up my collection of mp3's.  when i say
tiny, i mean "block-like" or something that can fit on a stereo shelf.

preferably, i'd like it to be able to start up quick and not put out a lot
of noise or heat.

also, is it possible to not have to use a monitor to use/control the
device?  ideally there would be an lcd panel on the box itself and/or a
remote control that is actually usable.

In many ways, it's kind of like an ipod on steroids but larger and with
the potential to have pretty big drive[s]

pause.

i just checked online and it looks like the latest ipod can handle 80 G
HDs!  that's actually fairly steroid for an mp3 collection.  i've never
had an ipod though and wonder if there will be any hastle loading the
thing with and using my own mp3 collection on it versus that which was
specifically downloaded with itunes.  i thought i heard something about
copy protection or the like.  and if it's going to be a pain in the arse
to use with non itunes downloads, i probably don't want to screw with it.

i did a quick check to see if an ipod could use an external usb hd but it
doesn't seem like it can and that itunes may not like having an mp3
collection in 2 places.

anyway, if anybody has any thought on an appliance and or has
benefit/disadvantage experience with larger ipods, i'd love any
suggestions.


i'm looking for something