I received a gift certificate for ITunes. I downloaded some songs, and then I found out that the songs you download can only be played from the ITunes application or an IPod. I only have an mp3 player. It's okay since I was planning on getting an IPod anyone. I do have a question though. Can the IPod play mp3s, or does it only play those m4p files you download from ITunes? I'd hate to buy it, and then not be able to play the songs I ripped from my CDs. I'm guessing I can, but wanted to be sure before I buy it.

I'm thinking about getting an IPod Classic (basically as a backup to music library) and an IPod Shuffle (for the wife when she works out and stuff like that). Any thoughts on either one of those?