Thanks for the info, lattesurf. That makes sense now. I will have to learn how to re-encode VBR files. Else, I'll have to search again for the same song but with the fixed bit rate.

I have one other question. I should probably search the forum for it but I am currently researching earphones (earbud variety). I believe Koss has some decent quality headphones. Is there any threads here in which headphones are being discussed or can you (or anyone else) recommend some earphones to replace the stock ones that came with the player?

Podder , for re-encoding, you can download a variety of software from download.com. There are tons of mp3 encoders in there. And it probably takes you 2 minutes or even less to learn how to re-encode.

There is not much talk about earphones in the forum, and i've only found 3 threads which might help you out on your decision.
http://www.mympxplayer.org/earphone-question-vt94.html
http://www.mympxplayer.org/in-ear-ea...ed-vt1790.html
http://www.mympxplayer.org/product-r...ms-vt2021.html

Re: MP3/4 issues and problems
 

Thanks for your help. Those earphone links were really helpful. I was wondering about sound isolating earphones. Are the Shure E2c or Sennheiser worth getting?

At Circuit City, there is a 'Centrios' line of these sound isolating earphones. I was wondering if they're any good. Anyone buy one of these? They might be cheaper than the Shure and Sennheiser brands.

Also, am I supposed to run Windows programs to connect and disconnect my mpX player? I usually run the 'add/remove hardware' program to disconnect/unplug the player. But, it is not so obvious of what to do when you plug it in (for recharging and/or adding/deleting songs). I have been using the drag/drop method but I haven't used the software yet included on the (mini) Cd. Is it recommended to use the cd or is it sufficient just to use drag/drop?

Edit: 'tried to use the 'add hardware' in Windows and had a resultant msg of '...failed..' but it then found the "USB Device" and I was done. Anyway, it was not very inspiring.

Podder , when you connect your player to the computer and want to remove it, there is a Safely Remove Hardware icon in your taskbar next to the clock.
You can use that to safely disconnect the player, then unplug the player directly.

Regarding transfering of files, the drag and drop method would work perfectly and easily. The software is crap, and until now i still can't get it to work properly.

For the earphones, i have a set of Griffins Earjams, they are the sort of in-canal sound-isolation additions to existing earbuds.
If your budget allows, definitely get the in-canal sound-isolation types. The sound quality greatly improves, and you would not want to use normal earbuds after you have used the in-canal types.