Hi Pappy.
Yes I believe you are on the right road. These pocket Victrolas are very cheap to buy or you could probably use your cell phone. I just looked at mine and it has a earphone jack and USB port. I 've never tried it as I have an iPod that my son gave me. I use it when I go for walks. Just don't sing along, people look at you like you're crazy!
Just read your edit. iTunes is just a media player for computers. You can buy stuff but you don't have to to use it. I play music on my laptop on it. I believe it will only transfer music to an Apple device like an iPod. Check this link out. You will probably have to get your device first then use the proper application.
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/conten...p3-player.html
Regards, u crank.