Media player for computer

I just bought a laptop with Vista on it. I have never been a huge fan of Windows Media Player, but I am not sure of the choices now days since I run Linux on my desktop. I use Amarok or Rythmnbox. Not a huge fan of Amarok 2 but the older version is the best.

For Windows, what is the best? Winamp? Windows Media Player anyway?, I-tunes?

Also, this laptop didn't come with any CD or DVD burning software. How is the default stuff with Vista (which I think by the way that I hate, but I am not going to change it right now because I don't want to void my warranty). Any recommendations there?

http://www.foobar2000.org/

Foobar 2000. Open source media player, uses almost no memory...but is super powerful and contains a great file conversion utility. It can handle FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and a ton of other file types. I first tried it about 3 years ago and have never looked back. It's completely customizable as well, letting you decide how the player looks and performs.

Does it import album covers? Since you breached the subject what format is best for lossy format cd rips? I don't have the space right now for flac.

edit: For what it's worth, I started using Winamp. I had purchase a WinAmp Pro once before when I was running windows. It turns out that my registration key is still good. I am using a vbr MP3 format. In case I get an ipod or other mp3 player it will probably make things easier.

Just for kicks I downloaded foobar2000 and it still is on my system.

I use the highest possible VBR quality setting (V0) for .mp3 rips. On an average system it's nearly impossible to tell the difference between that and lossless. I tend to use .FLAC for jazz and classical music (more space in the recordings, room sound, natural reverb) and .mp3 for rock and metal.

I use a different program for extraction, EAC (Exact Audio Copy), it's also freeware.

detuned--do you run Linux on your machine? This laptop came with a trial of Office 2007. I deleted the shortcut off almost before I did anything else and installed Open Office.

detuned wrote:

I tend to use .FLAC for jazz and classical music (more space in the recordings, room sound, natural reverb) and .mp3 for rock and metal.

FLAC is also great for preserving rare metal recordings that you want to upload and share with others, since they're out of print/copyright and yet many would enjoy them.

bgast1 wrote:

detuned--do you run Linux on your machine? This laptop came with a trial of Office 2007. I deleted the shortcut off almost before I did anything else and installed Open Office.

No, I'm still running XP at the moment.