How do I do it quickly, easily and cheaply?
I've been using [url=//handbrake.fr/]handbrake[/url] to convert AVI files, the menu say's it will do DVD's too, though I've not used that option. S'free and does the job (if steadily, so maybe doesn't fit your requirements) though i've not tried any other to compare it against.
Handbrake if you're using a Mac. I think there are a bunch of utilities for Windows as well, but don't know em.
BTW I run handrake on a PC.
Another recomendation [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/i-phone-tech-query ]here[/url] for an ad driven utility..
Ah - cool. I thought it was Mac only. If it's the same on a PC, then definitely go for it - very straightforward way of getting your DVDs onto your iPod. It takes a little bit of time to configure, but once it's sorted, you just chuck a DVD in and click the button.
umm configuring handbrake my part has been a matter of select the "iphone/touch" option on the left hand side and starting it off, you might be able to optimize it more but I've been too useless/lazy to look further... results seem pretty reasonable
DVDFabPlatinum4
Does exactly what you're needing plus shed loads more.
Email in profile if you need pointers.