As the title says, I'm looking for software suggestions for putting my DVDs onto my laptop. Basically I'm having the problem of too much choice, and too much confusing information, that I can't figure out something that does what I want well.
I'm running a Dell laptop with Windows XP. I also have a Western Digital 120GB Passport for backup and extra storage.
Background: I'm going to be living by myself again, without acess to a TV or DVD player. I also travel a lot, and within the next 6 months or so I will probably pick up an iPhone.
Basically, here's what I'm looking to do: I want to take all my old DVDs and copy them to my computer and stick the discs in storage. I want to be able to watch DVDs on my laptop at home and when I travel. I want to also be able to have smaller files to put on a later iPhone/iPod.
Now I know there is the issue of copy protection. I think a lot of my DVD's are older, or have basic protection in place that I think I can handle, so lets not talk about that.
What I do want to know is what format I should use that will allow me to watch the files on my computer and transfer them to an iPod, and what software to use. I think I'm wlling to buy something good if its under $50. I'm looking for something easy to use, and relatively simple that will give me a good copy. What confuses me is that a lot of the software is geared towards people ripping and burning DVD's to disk. I have no desire to burn a dvd, or even burn the files to any sort of disk. I just want a copy on my hard drive. But not many software descriptions talk about that part, or how well it does it. Also, do people suggest two copies, one big for full screen action, and one small resolution for going on an iPhone?
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
I'm running a Dell laptop with Windows XP. I also have a Western Digital 120GB Passport for backup and extra storage.
Background: I'm going to be living by myself again, without acess to a TV or DVD player. I also travel a lot, and within the next 6 months or so I will probably pick up an iPhone.
Basically, here's what I'm looking to do: I want to take all my old DVDs and copy them to my computer and stick the discs in storage. I want to be able to watch DVDs on my laptop at home and when I travel. I want to also be able to have smaller files to put on a later iPhone/iPod.
Now I know there is the issue of copy protection. I think a lot of my DVD's are older, or have basic protection in place that I think I can handle, so lets not talk about that.
What I do want to know is what format I should use that will allow me to watch the files on my computer and transfer them to an iPod, and what software to use. I think I'm wlling to buy something good if its under $50. I'm looking for something easy to use, and relatively simple that will give me a good copy. What confuses me is that a lot of the software is geared towards people ripping and burning DVD's to disk. I have no desire to burn a dvd, or even burn the files to any sort of disk. I just want a copy on my hard drive. But not many software descriptions talk about that part, or how well it does it. Also, do people suggest two copies, one big for full screen action, and one small resolution for going on an iPhone?
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
