'Glynor', thanks for the reply. Based on your response, I started the trial version and was able to have limited success with creating mp3s on a 160GB iPod. The 'showstopper' was the Conversion Cache folder created on the local C: SSD, which totally consumed the entire SSD less 1GB and brought the conversion process to a 'screeching' halt (actually I did not hear much screeching but I'm sure you get the point). I did see an option within File Locations to turn OFF the cache creation so I will experiment with that. As a circumvention, I manually deleted the cache folder, uninstalled, and then re-installed the trial version. But based on your reply, I was able to execute enough of the process to determine that managing the iPod, flac-to-mp3, for playback purposes is possible.
If the remainder of my trial goes well, and so far it is, I plan to purchase a license on May 1. I will then experiment with the 'portable' drive option. I will employ a 4TB HD, which is actually an internal HD on an external docking station. I believe this type of device is referred to as a 'sled', which should isolate all storage requirements to the target drive and thus leaving the local SSD drive alone. If that is successful, the abundantly large conversion cache folder, if selected ON, can grow as large as the 160GB iPod requires. Again, thanks for the helpful reply. It was exactly what I needed to know. Cheers, Lawrence