Buying iPod touch 2g - have 6 questions

Question

Tomorrow most likely. The 16gb. $280 ($20 off at Wal-Mart 8-)
Don't really care about the rumored iPod Touch 3rd gen; as the 2nd gen will be able to download the 3.0 software. I wouldn't use the camera anyways as it would probably only be 4 megapixels or less, and I have a 8 megapixel digital camera.
Well, here are my questions.
1.) Since it is bluetooth compatible, will I be able to use my headset as a microphone to record college lectures? I would place the headset near the professor if he allows it. I know it doesn't have a built in mic.
2.) Hard case reccomendations? I heard good things about the Tumi T-Tech case. Id like for it not to hamper any of the functions.
3.) Im going to convert AVI movie files to MP4 movie files. There should be no hassle porting those to the Ipod right?
4.) Will I be able to drag my Mp3 song files into the folder which contains the songs? Or do I have to use iTunes. I feel that it is easier this way when you download from other music purchase programs.
5.) If Apple does announce the new iPod touch within the next month, does that mean it will be out on shelves? Or that the features have just been announced?
6.) Finnaly, screen protectors. I heard that you really don't need one. It's not like I would ever put it in my pocket with keys. What do you think?
THANKS for ANY help!

Answer 1

just to add my opinions: (i think the above post covers 1-3)
4.) as Nocturnal says, you have to use iTunes. the iPod touch doesn't have a disk mode like other ipods, so the 'drag and drop' method which worked before will not work.
5.) thought you weren't that bothered about it? lol. i would imagine they'll announce it before it is released. that's usually what happens isn't it? educated guess, we're looking at early september (that's when the last two gens have come out) if there is to be a new release. put it this way, i upgraded to an 8GB touch from a 4GB nano, before they brought in the app store. if it was just down to my music and podcasts, 8GB would be plenty, but now i'm seriously starting to think i need that extra space! but i won't be buying just yet.
6.) i didn't bother with one, messed up putting it on, so just gave in. over a year later and i don't regret it. the back is a bit scratched, but that doesn't worry me greatly. i use a silicon case from http://www.exspect.co.uk/, it's starting to look a bit ragged (edges are splitting a little), but it does the job perfectly adequately for what i want.
hope you enjoy your ipod touch experience, it really is an amazing toy!
Message was edited by: Anna Sandham