Im tempted to get one for Sarah as a christmas gift, the 80gb classic.

But she wants to be able to use it as a portable storage medium for her files, so how is this done, what software do I need?

Also do you have to use iTunes or can you make it effectively drag and drop? (I miss my iRiver )

Can be used as portable storage, just plug and pray.  Doesnt need itunes but cant be drag+drop.  I dont know what all the fuss is about with itunes, its actually pretty good.

Lob iPod into Disc mode - open My Computer - woo - Ive got an expensive 80g portable hard-drive.

Only restriction is that to actually play the songs/videos etc on the iPod, they need to be added through itunes or an equivalent.

Certainly thats how it used to work on my 3g, I assume it hasnt changed.

So its a quick change of modes to switch between music and files?

And iTunes will load on MP3s and not just AACs and DRM laden crap formats without navigating a labyrinth of submenus and settings?

Yep, just doesnt do some of the more obscure files.  If it encounters WMAs though, it converts them to AAC

Quote from: Clockd 0NeSo its a quick change of modes to switch between music and files?

And iTunes will load on MP3s and not just AACs and DRM laden crap formats without navigating a labyrinth of submenus and settings?

IIRC, you dont have to switch between modes to do files and music, as long as youre happy with looking afer managing the songs on there your self rather letting itunes do its sync stuff.

Personally I always preferred manual management anyway.

The ability to use an ipod as a mass storage device is litteraly one tick box in the ipod options that does what it says on the tin.

Thanks everyone for your help.

One last question, is it worth getting a universal docking station?