mp3 players

Bobby_M · Jun 19, 2008

The way I'd restore the library from a back up is get the source files back in the native folder and the iTunes library wouldn't even know they left. If you restore to a different location, you just go to file, add folder to library and it imports them all back in.

Sharing libraries between two or more iPods? I'm not sure, I only have one. I do know that you can't sync a single ipod to more than one Itunes library without losing what you have on the old sync. Obviously a piracy limiting tactic.

On the other side of the usability spectrum, I have a car stereo that plays MP3 off a USB drive and it's really horrible at file management. It doesn't read ID3 tags at all but rather just deals in filenames and folders. I makes me appreciate the iPod interface that much more.

kornkob · Jun 19, 2008

I have the creative Zen microphoto and Windows XP sees it as a USB drive if you have all the Windows updates installed. I use mine when I am mowing the lawn (put on earbuds and put over ear earmuffs over those--- can't hear the mower, can hear the music.

My Jennifer loves her Zune though.

JVD_X · Jun 19, 2008

I have several ipods and use "anapod explorer" to bypass itunes. Anapod is a plug-in for windows explorer... you just drag the music you want from your shared folder to the ipod. It can also resample the music down to a lower kBit on the fly while transferring, if you want. I keep non-compressed music on my hard drive and then compress it down when putting it on the ipod.

http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/

kappclark · Jun 24, 2008

The anapod thing is pretty cool ... I will need to dl for my 16 yr old dau. She overcame the multiple library thing by actually connecting a friend's IPod and playing it in real-time overnight into recording software on her computer. Then, she pulled out the songs she wanted and put them into ITunes..

Whatever it takes, right ?

I use a program called media monkey for all my music .. it seems to like any format, and it is easy enough to move music in and out of the IRiver player. I secretly lust for an IPod

Still, the IPod wins the coolness/elegance contest !

Bobby_M · Jun 24, 2008

Since you can still use the ipod as a mass storage device, a way around the library thing is to create one huge zip file of all your music and then dump it to your buddy's HD. I can't imagine a worse fate for music that has been MP3 compressed into the original iPod, then D to A to D into another soundcard. Burning a DVD full of MP3s are another option for transfer. Not that I endorse stealing of course.

kappclark · Jun 25, 2008

Transcoding - can make for a nasty mix ..

I think my dau has done that (make a CD, then load into a friend's library .. but why not just play the cd ??)