MP3 Player

I think a basic, older model iPod nano would do quite well for you (depending on how cheap is cheap for you). Rick's tour downloads are audio-only so no need to get video. Once you get the iPod or other mp3 player, you can download the tours for free at iTunes.

However, if you're convinved you'll never use the iPod or other mp3 player again, lots of places have their own audio guides for a fee. But then again, you might find that you fall in love with the mp3 player unexpectedly!

Thank you Kelly for your help. How much memory do you need in a MP3 player to save these audio tours? Do they use a memory card?

Fredrica,

Virtually all MP3 Players have built-in memory, and some of the older model IPods have an actual hard drive.

For the best "user friendly" model, one of the IPod Nano models would probably be perfect. I use an IPod Touch and the larger screen is better for using some of Rick's city tours (which are available on the App. store for reasonable cost).

If you buy an IPod, you'll probably need to download I-Tunes if you're using a PC. If you have a Mac, the IPods will synchronize with your I-Tunes library (including Audio Tours) as soon as you connect the device to your Mac.

Cheers!

We are planning on using Rick's audio tours in Italy on our trip in two weeks. What does everyone do to keep their IPODS safe when touring areas with pickpockets? Or just in general. I am worried we will be a target once they see us with a headphone in one or maybe two ears!

Sometimes they come "free" with an 2 Gig SD card - which will also work with most digital cameras.. Target had a set like this awhile back for $15.

Check other devices you may already have, like Digital Cameras and Cell Phones. Some have MP3 built-in.

I use an old RIO bought off Craigs List for $10.

I am confused...one poster said "Rick's tour downloads are audio-only so no need to get video" and another poster said "However having an iPod helps to see the pictures that come with the tours. Do they have pictures or not?

I downloaded all the tours onto my newer iPod Nano with no difficulty. They are audio tours, but are enhanced with pictures for those fortunate enough to have a video player on their MP3. We leave in 36 days (who's counting)so haven't actually used them yet!

Jan B.

An iPod Classic would be a good choice. Not too expensive and has the video screen.

Sorry, I didn't realize the audiotours would include pictures if you had an iPod with that capability- when you download them it doesn't say anything about it!

The tours really won't put a big dent in the memory on the iPod, especially if that's all you have on it- nay of the Nanos would easily suffice to download several of them

I have just downloaded 5 tours. All in Rome. Pantheon, Forum, Colosseum, St Peters, and the Jewish Ghetto walk. The total of all 5 was 146 MB, with the largest being St peter's at 41 MB.