iPod + iTunes

[Kadarin]

So last week I went out and bought a black 60GB video iPod, and as I'm learning how to use this thing I've found that there are some things I do NOT like about using iTunes as the program to manage music+video+music content. Read on:

1. I have multiple computers, and those computers have different music on them that I've accumulated over the years. Apparently, once I've put a file onto the ipod, there's no easy (or possible) way to copy it from the ipod back onto the computer (or a different computer).

2. In iTunes, I apparently can't see what photos and videos are on my ipod. WTF?

3. When importing music from CDs, iTunes wants to use its own directory structure (even if you have the "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" setting unchecked. Once you have a song in the library, moving it to the directory where you really want to put it sometimes (but not always) means iTunes loses track of it.

4. You apparently can't edit song info from within iTunes.

It's possible that as I learn more about this device and the software used to manage it, I will find ways to work around these issues. However, the fact that these are even issues in the first place is damned annoying. I have a feeling that what I'll do at some point is wipe the ipod clean, and add the music/pictures/video back in specifically the way I want it, and it will probably be without using iTunes.

 

[Pantalaimon]

I have multiple computers, and those computers have different music on them that I've accumulated over the years. Apparently, once I've put a file onto the ipod, there's no easy (or possible) way to copy it from the ipod back onto the computer (or a different computer).

I have an external hard drive so I usually use that to transfer files from one PC to another.

In iTunes, I apparently can't see what photos and videos are on my ipod. WTF

I have an old iPod with no photo or video capability so no idea how that works

When importing music from CDs, iTunes wants to use its own directory structure (even if you have the "Keep iTunes Music folder organized" setting unchecked.

Are you sure you can't change the default directory in iTunes options?

You apparently can't edit song info from within iTunes.

What kind of song info are you talking about? If you mean the genre, cover art, artist name etc. then you can right click on the song name and choose Get Info. This will give you the screen with all the song info it has and you can edit or add to the information there.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

What version of iTunes are you running? And are all of these machines connected on a network? I'd create a shared folder on the biggest available hd, and then move all of the music there, and then have iTunes swap music with that drive. And you could also setup iTunes to have that as your music folder, and play music over the network if you wanted.

 

[Tostada]

The thing that really annoys me about iTunes is that it removes ID3v1 tags from your MP3s without ever asking. My car stereo only reads ID3v1 tags, so now what am I supposed to do? Keep two copies of every single MP3 because my Nano and my JVC can't play nice with each other?

 

[tekzilla41]

You might try this program:

ephpod

Works pretty good for transfering files to and from your Ipod plus it has alot of other features built in.

I agree with you though, when I bought my ipod I thought it was going to be some cool sh*t, then I started using the ipod + itunes combo. What a crappy interface for a good device. I think alot of the transfering limitations were done to appease the music industry,

 

[Dman877]

The files you transfer to your iPod with itunes are hidden so you can find them and put them on other comps.However, itunes shortens the file names. What you can do is use the ipod like an external hardrive and transfer files to it in my computer and then they remain unchanged but they also can't play on the ipod /shrug.

Itunes can change id3v1 tags no problem, just right click on tracks and get info...

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: Dman877
Itunes can change id3v1 tags no problem, just right click on tracks and get info...

Well, every time I've done that it changes the ID3v2 tag and deletes the ID3v1 tag.

 

[htmlmasterdave]

One thing I find annoying, is that the volume seems to be fairly high even at the very lowest. If you are in a silent room and just want to read and listen to music, it's almost too loud.

 

[Bobthelost]

There are some issues with itunes that i hate, but it does the job well enough and i love my shuffle.

The newer versions are a nightmare by all acounts, i'm still using version 5 and i can't stand quicktime, bloody horrible program that gets piggybacked onto my pristine HD.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
What version of iTunes are you running? And are all of these machines connected on a network? I'd create a shared folder on the biggest available hd, and then move all of the music there, and then have iTunes swap music with that drive. And you could also setup iTunes to have that as your music folder, and play music over the network if you wanted.

In this case, I'm using the latest available version, as I downloaded it after buying the ipod. The songs I have came off this PC, and an iMac that I had older music on which is now located at a different address, so a shared network drive would be difficult..

Referencing this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1798370&enterthread=y

I will be checking out sharepod and other programs, to see how well they work.