Ipod and Windows

Marty_J

johngc wrote: »

It's actually more to do with copy protection.

The idea with your ipod (at least how apple want you to use it) is to have it set up with your music that hopefully you bought from them and not to be able to share it with everyone.

You can't just go to someones house and say 'here, let me copy the contents of my ipod onto your computer so you can have all my songs too'.

Thankfully a number of people have come up with software that actually allows you to be able to do this and make using your ipod (in my opinion) so much easier. itunes is a big bloated bit of software that does not need to be so complicated and restricts you too much.

I agree it would be nice if Apple were a bit more open about letting you do whatever you wanted with the music on your iPod. I have a Mac, which means there's a simple little AppleScript that allows me to copy tracks from my iPod directly in iTunes, though I'd rather Apple just bit the bullet and put this in themselves. I guess it's because as well as managing you music, iTunes sells music.

shopbot wrote: »

I don't currently own an Ipod but have had a Creative MP3. I always found that the simplest way to transfer music was not to use the manufacturers software but simply drag and drop. I also am instinctively against anything that says 'you must' have itunes to have an ipod.

I can't really see how it's simpler. All the music, videos and podcasts on my computer are in iTunes. If I plug my iPod in, iTunes pops up. If I want to put something on it, I drag it onto the iPod. I have over 10,000 tracks on my computer. Managing them using explorer (or finder, my Mac's equivalent) would not be simpler. Having to use explorer just means that instead of having to use iTunes, you have to use a different piece of software.

I would imagine you'll find managing your music easier using the software supplied with your mp3 player (provided it's half-decent).

shopbot

Domokun wrote: »

I'd give the Creative software bundles with your MP3 a chance. Media source is an excellent program, and shouldn't be put in the same boat as iTunes, IMO.

Thanks - I would but said player is faulty!

zm1985

If the ipod is faulty you are almost certainly going to need to use Itunes to fix it. After trying a "soft reset" (usually by holding the menu and centre buttons on the ipod - depending on model) if that doesnt resolve the issue the next step is to do a "Restore", which simply erases the ipod back to factory settings and re-installs the operating software. If you were able to tell me a bit more about what appears to be wrong I may be able to help you more.

P.S. To the other posters, it is worth noting that Itunes does allow DRM free music management not just Itunes music and that it plays a role in managing the device's interface with the computer (especially on newer ipods without disk mode).