Guys,I've read some really interesting and helpful topics on here...I was hoping that I could get some feedback that is specific to what I'm looking to do. I'm trying to decide on the following: What type of computer to go with? What standard I should rip to? What type of software player I should use? What type of backup or NAS to get and what type of portable player to get? Here's where I am so far....1. I need a new computer. I have a work machine which is a Thinkpad but my home computer is toast so I have a clean slate there. I was initially thinking about going Mac but I've think I've since been discouraged. I've heard that iTunes is really limiting in the structural organization of much like iPhoto is but I don't know if this is true. I'd like something relatively small, fast and I hate to say it....cool looking. I really like the Dell and HP slim-lines. Thoughts?2. As far as standards, here's what I'm working with. I have about 600 CDs to rip. I think I have settled on EAC as my ripper and that is as far as I've gotten. My priorities are archival first and portability second. There is something very attractive about a lossless format. I do know that I'd like to NEVER have to rip again...ever. I should also mention...along the same lines of not re-ripping down the road...the "future" of the format is big for me. MP3 at 320 was recommended to me. I'm not an audiophile and I know I couldn't tell the difference but again, I like the idea of being able to put away my CDs permanently and have a perfect collection. Also, I don't intend to buy music off the web since I have a lot of CDs and so do my friends. I really do want a true, archival or library of music that is either perfect or almost perfect. I know the stuff off of iTunes is pretty far from it. I don’t know if that changes your advice but I thought it might be relevant. That said, I do intend to move some if it to a player so do I need two copies...large and small files? urgh....this is confusing!!!3. I don't really think the SW player is a big deal. WinAmp seems like a good choice.4. I know almost nothing about storage. I don't know how much space I'll need for 600+ CDs. I would ideally like to keep a copy on my new computer and then back up to a NAS. I also would like a multi-disk NAS so that I can back up photos to a different disk. Is that foolish?5. OK....last thing…the player. I really do like the iPod...not because everyone has one either. If I went to a lossless format, I think I'm screwed. I know that it can handle the Apple lossless format but I'm wary of anything that is platform-specific.I know that I'm being needy but this is stressfull! Any help that you can give me is mucho appreciated!