FWIW, my iPod doesn't have anywhere near enough battery life to play an entire movie -- I can get about 45 minutes of video playback out of it, but not much more.

I've got the 80 GB 5.5 iPod Video and I've been able to watch 4 and sometimes 5 hour long TV shows on it without a recharge.

In that case, use Handbrake. It can rip directly from the DVD to MP4 in one step, and you can also select specific chapters (handy for TV shows where you only want 1 ep at a time). And if for whatever reason iPod doesn't like Handbrake's MP4 files, you can just open them in Quicktime and select "Export for iPod."

[eta: Oh, and it's free!]

[PS, all of you people with newer iPods than me with your fancy long battery life? Thhhhhhhhhhhpt.]

In that case, use Handbrake. It can rip directly from the DVD to MP4 in one step

Hurrah! I think I'm going to be spending all weekend loading movies & videos onto the new shiny shiny iPod.

Oh, and one other question: do Apple retail locations sell iPod cases from other manufacturers? Say, like the ones from www.agent18.com? Or should I just order one now, and wait very impatiently for it?

do Apple retail locations sell iPod cases from other manufacturers?

Yes, although I don't know about that specific one.

do Apple retail locations sell iPod cases from other manufacturers?

They do, but most Apple stores I've been to have really crappy iPod accessory sections.

I'm not sure Apple retail locations use pens that come from other manufacturers, let alone selling things.

Well, they sell cameras, printers, hard drives, software, speakers, headphones, etc. that they don't make....

Say, like the ones from www.agent18.com?

Is that the solid plastic one? My Apple store has those, as well as a couple other kinds.

Is that the solid plastic one? My Apple store has those, as well as a couple other kinds.

Yep, the solid clear plastic one. Hmmm, I guess I'll have to call the local Apple store.