One of the disadvantages of using a particular MP3 player can lie in what type of audio files it takes. Luckily, nowadays most MP3 players, including the iPod and Zune, can play any type of audio format. It may take some conversion, but it can be done. It is also easier to do now than it was in past years.

When it comes to Windows Media Audio (WMA) files, iTunes can now convert them for you as long as you are using version 4.5 or higher. Due to demand, iTunes incorporated a built-in conversion tool for users to import WMA files instead of going to elaborate means to turn those files into MP3 formats before playing them or importing them to their iPods.

Basically, all you have to do once you have your WMA files is add them to your iTunes library. iTunes will then convert them into a playable file. It takes a bit of time, but once it is finished, you will be able to drag and drop the file into your iPod like any other iTunes-compatible file. iTunes will go through each file that needs to be converted individually, and from there, it will become available for you to listen to or transfer via the program.

There are programs out there as well to convert WMA files to ACC, M4A or MP3 format. Some are free, and some come at a cost. Users often choose to use a third party program when they find it takes iTunes too long to convert files. Sometimes it can be quicker to go this route than wait for Apple's software to do it themselves. It all depends on what you are looking for and how fast you want conversion to take place.

Do not let iTunes and its audio format dissuade you from giving an iPod a chance. iPods can house many different formats of music, and even if you have files other than WMA formats, you can find a converter out there to change it to a compatible format. It just takes a little time and effort to find what will work right for your music files.