it may be only the Pro version.

This is correct. However, converting them directly in iTunes doesn't require Pro.

I can't open the files in iTunes, which is why I ask.

FFMPEGX will convert almost anything to almost anything else -- it's got a fugly interface, but it is free.

Gotcha -- that's what I get for not including the "if it can be played in iTunes..." disclaimer. It may just be a missing codec issue; otherwise, I've heard good things about ffmpegX [link]

Also, iSquint [link] is dead reliable, if you just want the iPod conversion without any of the jillion other things in ffmpegX

Thanks!

I have ffmpegX here somewhere--I'm assuming I blocked that memory for a good reason. I think I was trying to rip DVDs, and in the end it let me do what I wanted--but it was a while before the end came round. Let me try iSquint.

I just set up my Cingular Treo 650 to work as a bluetooth modem for my laptop. It is tres cool! However, I don't seem to be getting the 134 kbps speeds EDGE is advertised at - got no more than 7-8 KBps downloads from my test server. Oh wells, it still is much better than no internet at all!

Good thing I have an unlimited data plan on my phone, now.

iSquint worked like a charm! Thanks.

I need to get a bluetooth mouse to go with my Mac Mini. I want to be able to right-click, and I want a scroll wheel or similar. Apple's wireless Mighty Mouse seems overpriced at $69. Any suggestions for less-expensive models that work well?

This is scary - I'm wondering if I should post it in Press, considering how often I see Buffistas posting from airports....

Holiday Travel Tip: Avoid airport honeypot networks

Air travelers looking to do a little web surfing at the terminal should be on the lookout for "honeypot" wireless networks set up by folks who want to listen in on your usernames and passwords. Blogger Domenico Bettinelli writes:

I was recently at New York's JFK airport in the JetBlue terminal, where they have prominent signs offering free wi-fi, courtesy of the airline. But when I went to connect, I noticed that several options were available including one labeled "default" and another labeled "JetBlue free hotspot." It turns out that the former was the actual free hotspot and the latter was the honeypot.

I've been in that terminal and seen plenty of suspicious Computer-to-Computer wireless networks in my Airport list, too - but nothing as deliberately deceptive as "JetBlue free hotspot." (Bastards.) To be absolutely safe, your best bet is to refrain from hunting down free wifi at the terminal and either pay or do what I do: bring your own connection and use your cell phone as a modem.

I'm wondering how prevalent this is, and can airport authorities do anything to fight it....

At O'Hare a warning message like this pops up the moment you try to connect to wireless. It tells you the name of the legitimate (alas, for pay) wireless network and claims that all of the others are operating out of someone else's laptop, fishing for passwords.