Windows 7 Tip: 
HandBrake is an open-source, GPL-licensed, multithreaded, multiplatform DVD to MPEG-4 converter. HandBrake can turn DVDs into iPod-friendly MPEG-4 or H.264 video files. It includes iPod, Apple TV and even Sony PS3 presets, but you can also customize various audio and video settings to your liking. (Needless to say, the ripped files will also play on Zunes and other devices.)
Windows users can choose between GUI and CLI versions; both require DVD43 to be installed if you want to rip copy-protected DVDs (the ones you own, of course). Also, be sure to choose the VIDEO_TS folder when you browse the DVD, and then select the “title” that contains the actual movie (it’s usually the longest one). For Windows users in particular, HandBrake definitely makes easier work of copying DVDs to your iPod, though the overall process still takes a few hours.
Supported sources:
· Any DVD-like source: VIDEO_TS folder, DVD image or real DVD (encrypted or unencrypted, but protection methods other than CSS are not supported and must be handled externally with third-party software)
· PAL or NTSC
· AC-3, LPCM or MPEG audio tracks
HandBrake is a very useful gadget, considering it is free. And yes, having the features of reading dvd title, might not as sophisticated as some other commercial products, such as AVex, PQ, Cucusoft, etc, but definitely worth a trial.
Or, you want to pay around $29 to get a shareware which is capable of converting DVD movies into iPod mp4 in just one step?! It’s all your choice: get iPod mp4 for free in two steps; or pay for a fast ipod converter, and create the iPod mp4 in just one step.
Some helpful link for the popular DVD to iPod Video Suite users:
youtronic.blogspot.com, Common problems such as key exchange, audio and video out of sync, noisy/choppy audio, sticky/stuttering video, activation, video formats support, os compatibility, parental control, etc, have detailed answers. Pretty good Q & A blog.
Hi,
I found this site very useful and recommend it highly
Cucusoft iPod Video Converter Suite is an all-in-one iPod video Conversion solution. This Suite includes 2 software products — ” Cucusoft iPod Video Converter” and ” Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter”. With this iPod Video Converter Suite, you can convert both DVD media and video file media to iPod video/iPod movie. You can enjoy your favorite DVD and video clips on your iPod as a portable DVD Player.
Other software requires two steps:
1.convert DVD to AVI
2.convert AVI to iPod
Cucusoft iPod Video Converter Suite only needs one step, it can directly convert DVD to iPod video!
Price $39.95
Enjoy your life in an easier and faster way with this suite!
Handbrake HAS a setting for direct iPod formatting… it’s on the sidebar where you pick the format for your movie. It automatically encodes it into the iPod video format and sets the screen width and everything.