Numpty queston - Ipod shuffle

suicidebob

Step 2 is rubbish. iTunes on my PC loads in about 3 seconds.
Step 3 is rubbish. If you're using iTunes the music is already there.
Step 4 is rubbish. You can have playlists already set up that can copy any new, played, rated (an a million different other options) to your iPod. This is 1-click syncing.
Step 5 is rubbish. A normal sync for my iPhone is usually less than 30 seconds.

So if you know how to use iTunes properly the steps would be:

1. Click sync
2. Done

googler

suicidebob wrote: »

Step 3 is rubbish. If you're using iTunes the music is already there.

What do you mean, 'already there' ?

No music gets into iTunes without the user placing it there, whether it's by ripping a CD, downloading from iTunes Store, or importing files or folders. If you have a populated library, the only reason to Sync again is because you've added new music to the library.

Remember, the OP doesn't have iTunes at the moment, so when they download it, if they do, they'll have an iTunes installation with no music in the library.

Humphrey10

suicidebob wrote: »

Step 5 is rubbish. A normal sync for my iPhone is usually less than 30 seconds.

I guess it depends how often you sync - I don't very often, so have loads of apps for iTunes to copy over, and it takes ages.

It took me 5 hours to back up an iPad and restore another iPad from the backup the other day. There was about 45GB of stuff on the old iPad of which 30GB (excluding videos) was copied to the new iPad, but still 5 hours seems excessive.

RussJK

Most of the programs that install along with the main iTunes application don't need to be there, nor do they need to be running all the time. iTunes is like Realplayer used to be in the 90s, very bloated and a drain on a Windows system IMO.

There is a way to do a minimal install without all the bloat:

People with iPod Mini, Nano, Classic, or Shuffle can just install the main iTunes program and the 'Apple Application Support' program, along with Quicktime Lite for the Quicktime Codecs and browser plugin
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28727/how-to-install-itunes-without-extra-bloat/ (picture guide)
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QT_Lite.htm(Quicktime Lite, saves having Quicktime running in background)
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/the-unofficial-guide-to-installing-itunes-10-without-bloatware/2390?pg=3 (longer explanation)

Those with iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad will also need the 'Apple Mobile Device Support' apparently.

Those with Apple TV or wanting to network their iTunes music, will need the Bonjour service.

The link Dave_C posted with iTunes alternatives would also be a good avenue to explore.