Playing itunes

[WhatWillSantaBring]

I've searched and searched on the interweb and can't find an answer for dummies...

We have itunes on the laptop, with loads of music, far more than fits on an ipod. I want to be able to put all our itunes onto a system (i.e. not the computer or an ipod) that allows me to play those tunes through decent speakers. In an ideal world, it would be something with itunes functionality but in a standalone unit so its not tied to the other pc functions. I don't need it to be wireless or streamed to every room (well, not yet, I just want the basics) What do I need?

The only thing I can find that seems to work is the BeoSound 5 from Bang & Olufsen, but at £3500 its a bit pricey. I was looking at £350 tops!

A relatively straightforward solution:

you can use an Apple Airport Express to stream the music from your laptop to your hi-fi (I'm assuming you already have one). You then would need to control the music from the laptop, of course, unless you treat yourself to an iPod Touch to use as a remote control (and other things). All for less than £300.

Thanks prism. I thought it would end up me having to get an ipod touch - still, that's no bad thing I guess, as they're very portable and still cheaper than an iphone!

Do you have more music than would fit on an iPod Classic? That's 160GB of storage space and for £200 (or thereabouts) a lot cheaper than other options would be (if buying an Airport Express you would still need a stereo to play it through).

also look for a Roku Soundbridge on eBay.

Relatively cheap (average seeling price under £100), allows you to control the music from the stereo and just pulls the music from the computer. There is also a great iPhone/Touch app that allows you to do everything from that too. i also considered an Apple express, but didn't like the having to go back to the computer (if you don't have the iPhone app)

"Having to get an iPod Touch" is a nice problem to have- mine is my favourite gadget by far. I must admit it's a bit expensive as a way of playing the music you already have through the hi-fi you already have, but hey, it's fun. One caveat is that it won't be very effective if your home can't be covered with one wireless network (you can get round that with more Airport Expresses but it's all a bit complicated and irritating, not to mention expensive), but you probably know whether you're OK on that front- most people are.