Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with ipod

How to best handle my iTunes library?

arniec — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:47:29 -0800

What is the easiest and best way for me to share my large iTunes multimedia library amongst 4 Macs? I have a multimedia library (mostly MP3 files ripped from my personal collection, a few purchased iTunes songs some with DRM somewithout, and one or two movies/TV shows purchased from iTunes) that is approaching 100GB. This is stored currently on a 100GB external hard drive.

My wife and I have 4 computers; we each have a desktop and a laptop. All 4 are authorized on our shared iTunes account for our content.

Currently the library is hooked into my Airport Extreme's USB port. As the router uses little power and is always on, it seemed the best way to share the files across the network. However we have 2 problems:

1) To add this library to a computer takes overnight. It must process all the files on the drive, then cover index, etc. This isn't a problem if it were a one time thing or even once per computer but...

2) When one of us purchases more music, etc. it only appears on one computer at most (if, for example, we make a DRM free purchase at Amazon it shows up on no computers).

As we like to keep our media organized by Artist, Album, Song, we end up having to purge our entire iTunes library and re-add it (taking, again, overnight) to find the few tracks added.

What I want is a simple way to have the library on all 4 computers and when any computer adds a file all computers see it.

Bonus points: 1) If one of us accidentally opens a file like an MP3 sent by e-mail in iTunes and then deletes it, it does not cause a dead link on all computers.

2) Uber bonus points if there is also a way to share these files with my X-Box/PS3/multimedia receiver to play my music in our living room.

Thank you hive mind! Help me see the links I can't see for myself in this conundrum.

My iPod Is Suddenly Saying It Is Full

Ironmouth — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:18:26 -0800

My 80gig iPod suddenly tells me that it has only 50.8 MB free, when I have nowhere near that much on the device. Itunes shows the numbers correctly, but the device reports otherwise. Is it OK? Hi, I have an 80 gig iPod. I'm running version 1.1.2 for the on-board software and 7.7.043 for iTunes.

iTunes says I have 16.53 gigs used for music, 148.8 MB used for a video, 119.1 MB other, with 57.52 GB free.

This morning, the player started shwoing that I have 74.2 GB used with 50.8 MB free. iTunes has the correct numbers. The totals for music and video are the same on the device, but the "other" total is way off the charts and eats up the additional space.

I'm running Vista on a PC.

Which is right, the device or iTunes? How do I fix this if all of that space is being taken up by mystery stuff? I'd like to be able to fill this thing someday.

thanks!

Moving Podcasts to the Correct iTunes Container

sjuhawk31 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:43:46 -0800

How can I move my favorite podcast (which I download manually, because the iTunes feed is a week behind) from the Music Library to the Podcast Library, if for no other reason than it's easier to get to it once I transfer to my iPod? I listen to Smodcast almost religiously. A while back, they stopped putting the newest episode on iTunes the day it came out, switching to a schedule where you have to go to the website to get it on time. I'm fine with that. Problem is, when you download it, it's just a regular ol' MP3 and sits in the iTunes music library. How can I force it to behave otherwise?

Google gives me plenty of ways to move a podcast to the music library, but none to do the other way around. Programs like Lostify let you tag stuff you download from your browser as TV Shows and Movies so they go in the right section, but their FAQ says pretty clearly that they aren't supporting podcast tagging. What's a podcaster to do?

what other uses for an ipod?

fumbducker — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:18:13 -0800

what can i do with the 80 gbs on a new ipod thinking about buying an ipod again, the 1gb on my creative nanos kind of getting old with the constant switching around what i want to listen to. plus everyone has a dock at their party and my nano doesnt dock. whatever. the question is, though i like the 8 gb ipod nano, for $50 i can get an 80 gb ipod - is anyone using this for anything other than itunes & video? can i backup my operating system to it, anyone using it for any mobile apps, maybe copy & carry around a virtual machine?

How ya like dem apples?

spicynuts — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:06:10 -0800

Brand new Mac convert - haven't used one since the IISE back in college. So far I love it but I have some questions about converting my peripherals or moving data like music, etc. So I bought a Macbook Pro. I have a self-built PC at home. All of my peripherals including digital film scanner, photo printer, color diagnostics, external storage, iPod, etc are PC. I'm going to slowly start migrating stuff over. So with that in mind, two questions:

1) How do I get my music that is stored in my PC formatted iPod or iTunes folders into my Mac so I can at least use the mac to play my music through iTunes?

2) Is it possible to reformat my iPod for the mac and have it function properly with the dock that I have? Or do I need to buy a mac specific doc?

Thanks!

Dock for aging iPod?

beniamino — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:43:08 -0800

I am looking for an iPod dock/speaker system which fulfills the following criteria: definitely known to be compatible with 3rd generation iPod (i.e. the dock provides power and receives sound via dock connector), AC powered, available in the UK, cost (new or used) less than about £30. Most retailers are vague about which iPod models are compatible with their docks, and most current docks only support 4th generation or newer iPods (it seems the dock connector on the 3G had a different pinout). I'm struggling to find available docks that are known good with the 3G.

iphone 2.0 software

freetheyams — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:07:49 -0800

I just downloaded a whole mess of cool apps for my ipod touch, but can't play any of them without the iphone 2.0 software. Where do I download it from??? I can't find it anywhere on the apple.com site, or anywhere else on the net for that matter....

My ipod needs to be mooing.

By The Grace of God — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:53:29 -0800

UK Ipod Touch 2.0 Update Problem when attempting to purchase - what am I doing wrong? Ipod Touch firmware 1.1.4 with January software update; iTunes version 7.7; macbook with OSX Leopard. I go here and click the buy link, to purchase; I go to the link and click, and firefox pops the choose what application to load in, I choose Itunes, Itunes says accessing itunes store.. and then NOTHING HAPPENS!

w.t.f.??!?!?!

There is a free application that can make my ipod MOO, people. I have been working eighty million hours in a by-election and I am tired and achy and stressed and need a mooing ipod, STAT!

many thanks for your help.

Running without headphone cord SMACKSMACKSMACK

chesty_a_arthur — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:29:07 -0800

Help me solve my ipod earphone problem (specifically, the cord smacksmacksmack while running.) I run with an ipod. I have a couple different sets of relatively inexpensive headphones, which are fine; I am a total Philistine when it comes to sound quality. But I am a delicate flower, and the smacksmacksmack of the headphone cord on my arm or neck drives me so crazy that I sometimes wind up stopping just to mess around with it. I know about wireless Bluetooth headphones, which I would like, but cannot justify the expense right now. Has anyone come up with an awesome solution to this problem?

I know there are various cord-winding solutions available that seem like they'd make sense for a device in a coat pocket, but my device is in its foam-rubber arm sleeve (which incidentally has an elastic loop that is maybe to secure headphones but damned if I can figure out how) on my arm, and I'm running. I don't want to hold anything in my hands.

A Dock for My Pod

wintermute2_0 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:12:10 -0800

iPodFilter: Help me pick out a decent iPod dock from amongst all the substandard crap out there. I've been looking for a decent quality iPod dock for my still-kicking 4G iPod (a.k.a. iPod photo). It's for a bedroom, so I don't need big sound, but it shouldn't sound like a kid's phonograph either. An FM receiver would be a nice bonus.

I've been looking at the XtremeMac Tango Studio X2 as well as this Sony bookshelf system. There are so many docks on the market, but most of them seem like crap. I'd appreciate any recommendations that help me separate the wheat from the chaff.

Thanks, hive mind.

iWant, but should iBuy?

sjuhawk31 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:07:35 -0800

iPod PurchaseFilter: I've been itching to upgrade to an iPod touch, but I fear that they'll be updated soon after I buy. The Mac Buyer's Guide confirms my suspicion, but only with the general "Approaching End of Cycle," and my search of blogs doesn't seem to give any definitive answer. Does anyone have additional information that could further persuade me to hold off?

[iTunesFilter] Want to fill 160 Gb iPod, but only has tiny teensy hard-drive

XiBe — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:01:17 -0800

How to handle a 160 Gb iPod when the computer only has 30 free Gb? My girlfriend asked for a 160 Gb iPod for her birthday, and I offered her. She wanted a bug iPod because she wanted to have all of her music in there - her older 4 Gb iPod Nano wasn't enough, she constantly had to renew its content.

Thing is, she handles iTunes and therefore her music from her old laptop, where she just doesn't have the disk space to fill up her new iPod. The issue here would be that iTunes requires that you have all your music in it, before you can put in the iPod - and that you then keep the music in iTunes. Given her drive space, she just can't do this.

She does have an external drive, and I advised her to put all of her music in there, and let iTunes handle her music from there, but she doesn't really want to carry around her ex-drive when on vacation, for instance.

Does anyone around you had to deal with this kind of situation? Any advice could be pretty useful...

Thanks a lot.

New car stereo solution?

ObscureReferenceMan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:37:40 -0800

Car stereo solution for someone non-technical. I have a 1990 Acura Legend with original stereo & speakers, but the 10-disc changer my brother installed is having issues (discs aren't always recognized, and the remote is broken). And the rear speakers are buzzing. So I'm in the market for something new. I don't want to spend more than $500 (for stereo and speakers). My requirements:
- Input for iPod (will be purchasing that soon also)
- Should play at least one CD (in case on a road trip, someone brings tunes)
- Some kind of equalizer (not just treble/bass control)

My question is not so much "which unit" (but I welcome input/feedback), but "where to go?". My gut tells me BestBuy. I've browsed, and they seem to have a decent selection, and installation is minimal. Or do I go to a car stereo place? There are plenty on Long Island (suggestions for/against would also be appreciated). Would $500 get me something good?

One qualification: I do NOT want to buy individual components and install them myself (I know it's cheaper). I am NOT handy. I CANNOT do electrical installation. This is non-negotiable. Sorry.

Any other suggestions (units to be aware of +/-, forums, review sites, etc.) are welcome. Thanks!!

Tracking stolen ipod and laptop possible?

nomadicink — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:43:52 -0800

Our house has been robbed. Some of the things they took were an 867mhz G4 laptop and a 80gb iPod classic. Is there any way to trace or find out if and when those devices attempt to get online again? And for future reference, is there anything we could do with such electronic devices so that they attempt to phone home or some such if stolen?

How to syne Outlook Notes to Ipod Touch?

Pastabagel — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:35:39 -0800

How do I sync the 'Notes' in MS Outlook to go to the Notes on an iPod Touch? I synced the other stuff from outlook, but the notes from outlook don't come over. If this can't be done, is there any way to sync text files to the Touch, or enable a portion for disk space like the other iPods? Would jailbreaking the Touch help to accomplish this?

How to get an iPod to work in my car? (i had to use this title)

Pants! — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:34:17 -0800

Hooking up an iPod/amp after car stereo was stolen? My friend's car was broken into and his stereo was stolen. He'd like to know if it's possible to make a connection for an iPod without purchasing a whole new stereo system. The speakers are still there, there must be a way to access them via USB.

Looking for European map downloads for iPod

hipersons — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:35:53 -0800

Looking for European map downloads for iPod So I'm going to France soon, and I won't be spending much time in cities near wi-fi or anything. I have an iPod touch, and I'm looking for some downloadable maps that I can access sans wi-fi when I'm driving through the country side. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Public transit maps would be cool, too.

How to cheaply and easily encode 3,500 CDs to MP3s?

tundro — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:04:51 -0800

i have about 3,500 CDs. I want to rip them to MP3. I'm too lazy to do it one at a time on my computer and too cheap to pay a service like MusicShifter. Any other options? So I'm a bit of a music nut. Managed to collect about 3,500 CDs. The new ones I get I tend to rip to MP3 right away, but I have a serious backlog. In fact, some are obscure and require manually adding in song and album information which adds to it being a pain in the butt.

I'm entirely too lazy to do this one by one on my computer, and way too cheap to spend $2,500 - $3,500 on paying a service to do it for me. Any other options? I'm looking for encoding at no less than 192 VBR joint stereo.

Bonus question: i also have about 1,000 cassettes and 500 - 700 vinyl records (in various sizes from 7" to 10" to 12"). Would love to get them to MP3s too. All ideas for how to accommodate my laziness and cheapness are appreciated.

Not another earbud question.

doift — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:34:05 -0800

Recommend-some-earbuds-that-meet-my-bizarrely-specific-criteria-filter: I like everything about my current earbuds except the fact that they're making my ears pop. I bought these Sony earbuds (or another very similar model), the kind with the different sizes of plastic sleeves that stick directly into your ear and make a sort of seal, to use with my iPod about two years ago, and they've served me well. They're small and light, and they're cheap so I don't worry too much about losing them. The best thing about them is that they block exactly the right amount of sound for riding the subway- I can still hear enough outside sound that I'm aware of what's happening around me, but not so much that I have to turn up the volume to painful levels in order to to hear the music.

However, I'm becoming more and more convinced that the earbuds are at least partially responsible for the continuous blocked and popping ears that I've been experiencing for the past year or so. I had an ear infection the winter before last, and now I occasionally have days where it's like my ears never fully recovered. I know I'm using the correct size plastic sleeve for my ears, and I know I'm wearing them right, I clean them regularly, and they're comfortable when I wear them. so I think it's just that something about this type of earbud irritates my ear. Maybe it's the plastic, maybe it's the way they seal, I'm not sure. And if testing that hypothesis means an excuse for a headphone upgrade, so much the better.

Basically, I need small, light headphones that don't stick into my ear like those Sonys (I'm open to other ways of sticking into my ear that are less likely to be irritating) and block a moderate amount of outside sound. My budget is under $100. I could be convinced to spend more, but it would take some hard-core convincing.

Bose Sounddock + iPod Touch = :(

alitorbati — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:01:11 -0800

When I plug my 16GB iPod Touch into my Bose Sounddock, I hear a soft thumping sound, almost like a muffled helicopter. Turning the volume up or down on the iPod or dock has no effect. This never happened with my old iPod, but it does with multiple the iPod Touches I've tried it with. Does this happen to anyone else? How can I fix it?

Windows Media Player to iTunes - help me avoid disaster!

CrazyGabby — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:29:52 -0800

I'm about to switch from Windows Media Player to iTunes (hubby is giving me his iPod Video, yay!). What should I know before making the switch? I would love any tips and tricks on switching over to iTunes/iPods. Basically, what do you wish you'd known ahead of time? A couple of notes:

- None of my music has DRM, so that's one less thing to worry about.
- I use ratings and play counts quite a bit, so would love to transfer those if possible. If not, it's not the end of the world.

Tips, info, and links are all welcome. Thank you!

Ipod + music + metronome = Steady Runner

26.2 — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:42:57 -0800

How do I layer a metronome over music on my Ipod? I like to use a clip on metronome to keep my cadence steady while I run. However, the clip is annoying to me and the shrill beep is probably annoying other runners and people trying to enjoy the park. I'd like to layer a metronome over the music on my Ipod, but I don't want to rerecord everything. Also, I'd love to have the tempo be variable between 80 and 100 beats per minute.

I prefer to run with my Gen1 Ipod shuffle, but I have a 60gb video one too.

Any suggestions on how to make this happen?

iPod won't show Steve Miller!

skybolt — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:34:28 -0800

iPod won't display Steve Miller Band! Strangely, my iPod won't display the Steve Miller Band in the ARTISTS list of my iPod (160gb, iPod classic). The songs are indeed on the iPod, I can bring them all up in Album, which even show Steve Miller Band as the artist.

I edited all the tags in iTunes (windows) to see if that was the issue, but still, no Steve Miller Band. I'm beginning to think my Clumpy* (my iPod) just doesn't want me to listen to old 70's pop-rock.

Anyone else see this? I could try nuking the ipod then re-syncing the whole thing, but that's an overnight job -- I've got close to 20,000 songs. (18,556 to be exact). I'm also going to try deleting the songs from iTunes and re-importing them .. but who needs this crap?

*(I call it Clumpy for its strange habit of getting on some kind of kick, and staying there. How random is 3 Audiovelocity or Sushirobo songs in a row?)

How to get iTunes to recognise an MP4 movie?

different — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:53:36 -0800

iTunes thinks my MP4 movies are audio tracks, but I beg to differ. How to fix it? I'm using the latest version of iTunes (7.6.4.) and it has suddenly stopped recognising MP4 videos as videos. It will play them as audio tracks, but there are no visuals.

I can view the videos using QuickTime, so the files haven't been corrupted. I wouldn't mind so much, but I want to watch the videos on my iPod, which can't be done now. The movies have all vanished from the movie section, and appear only as songs.

Does anyone know what's up, and how I can fix it?

help me get to docking nirvana

rikatik — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:46:05 -0800

does the ultimate internet radio/ipod dock/streaming audio portable device exist? I'm looking all over for a device that I can't believe hasn't been made already. I want an audio device that will play music from my ipod, from internet radio, AM/FM/DAB+(XFM in US), my mp3s on network drive and have a clock and alarm. and have enough oomph to fill a bedroom or kitchen. Actually, I've described my laptop, but I want it to look like a docking system, and have a better sound than my laptop.