iTunes to record MP3 into SD card

I'm not sure if "record mp3 files into a SD card" is really what you want. You're not "recording the files", you are copying them. If you really mean recording sound from a microphone into mp3 format onto a SD card directly then iTunes definitely isn't the tool.

I am assuming you mean "copy". Itunes isn't flexible in setting the destination to which to do this kind of task -- it wants to put them in the iTunes folder and library. Yes, you can use iTunes to convert them to mp3, then drag them from the library window in iTunes to the SD card in a Finder window to copy them to iTunes. If you don't want the mp3 format files in your library you then have to delete them or use a different tool to avoid having them put there and instead use a tool such as Max or XLD to convert directly to the SD card.

It is unlikely Apple is reading this discussion for suggestions., They have an online feedback site (see "contact us" in bottom right corner of page) for suggestions, but don't hold your breath. There' been similar comments on issues when trying to do things other than synching with an Apple device but I don't think they are priority, more be glad whatever you can do with iTunes outside the Apple box.

I have successfully copied MP3s to my flash drive style MP3 player (not an Apple player) via drag and drop from iTunes to Finder. I seem to recall it doesn't like doing it directly to a folder, just to the root level of the device (and I then drag them to a folder in Finder). I am also using a much older OS than you, and my drive is FAT32 format.

if the music files have been downloaded from the iTunes store or you have ripped them from a CD that you own, chances are the files have been encoded as an AAC so they may not play in your car HiFi.

the reason you can burn these to a disk is because you are leagally allowed to make a certain mumber of copies of music you purchase (i think it's 5) to CD, but there is a restriction in itunes to copy to SD's or memory sticks.

you can right click the file to find out the extension that they are saved as.

try changing the import setting by clicking on preferances > general > import setting and change to MP3 then import a new CD to your library. that should do the trick.

the reason you can burn these to a disk is because you are leagally allowed to make a certain mumber of copies of music you purchase (i think it's 5) to CD, but there is a restriction in itunes to copy to SD's or memory sticks.

you can right click the file to find out the extension that they are saved as.

I don't remember even in DRM days there being a restriction on the media to which you copied the protected files. Frankly that would be ridiculous because there's nothing stopping you from revealing the files in Finder and just copying them directly in Finder (just cumbersome for many files). Yes, there was a limit to the number of copies you could burn. Are you positive all this still applies?