iTunes Alternative for Windows

[olds]

My wife has an iPod and a Windows laptop. She is sick of iTunes syncing and re-adding songs that are already on the iPod (among other issues).
Is there alternative software that will allow her to still use the iPod without using iTunes?

I'd also like to put the songs on her phone (Note II). Can I drag and drop them from the laptop to the phone? Or do I have to convert them to mp3?

TIA

 

[TheStu]

Assuming the phone can support AAC files, then you shouldn't have to convert them. Just drag a couple over to test. 99% of tracks on the iTunes Music Store are DRM free nowadays, so it's just a matter of file compatibility. But if the Note II doesn't support AAC then... well, that'll just be really funny to me.

Anyway, as for other software that she can use... There's DoubleTwist (and I think they have an Android player as well if she wants to keep syncing that way). But I don't have Android devices, and don't hate iTunes, so have never really had a reason to go looking for replacements.

 

[Anonaliss]

Is there alternative software that will allow her to still use the iPod without using iTunes?

Don't know if you found an alternative but I would suggest MediaMonkey. Unfortunately, the premium features are not free and it hasn't been updated in a while but an update is in the works. A one-time payment would net you lifetime downloads and it's pretty cheap depending on your budget.

When I initially left iOS for Android, the first thing I wanted to do was wipe iTunes from my computer because it represented the worst part of using Apple products in my experience. Again unfortunately, if you still have drm protected music from iTunes, then Mediamonkey requires that itunes be installed on your computer to play the songs. Fortunately, you don't have to go beyond installing it if you have no further wish to use it.

You can just point MM towards your iTunes library and it will monitor any changes. Also, I know it works beautifully for syncing your library to an ipod or iphone (< iOS6) but I must admit a good portion of the music I own on iTunes is in mp3 format. I sync my iPod Classic and my Note II with the program and once you set it up it does it smartly. There'e also a lot of scripts that can further customize the program to do almost anything you want. I haven't tried syncing the AAC files through MediaMonkey but I have to assume it would work fine since the files are obviously supported by the iPod.

It's a really good program for music management. I was able to easily catalog 378gb of music in a single weekend (a few dedicated hours at a time). Hope the suggestion helps.

 

[olds]

Thanks. Actually installed MediaMonkey yesterday and I am still learning the interface. Got all the mp3s in it but haven't synched yet.

 

[mikeymikec]

I think Winamp has iPod support?

 

[olds]

I think Winamp has iPod support?

I think winamp is done.

 

[mikeymikec]

I think winamp is done.

If it works and you don't use it to connect to the Internet, what's the problem?

Something tells me that a heck of a lot of people will be using Winamp for years to come.

 

[vbuggy]

As mentioned by the chief of Macaddicts doubletwist might be a more viable alternative, though MediaMonkey are certainly quite responsive to Apple breaking third party app links each time they update.
http://www.doubletwist.com/desktop/
Doubletwist does more homework on Apple protocols than most other companies and as such provides enhanced hooks into iTunes and other Apple media tech.

However, rather than temporarily bending the bars of the iOS ecosystem, it strikes me that it's a better prospect to a) sink back into the iSheepdom if you are going to continue to own iDevices and learn to use it to it's strengths or b) get something else (which matches). Half and half rarely works well, which is why as a guy who straddles all three mobile and desktop ecosystems, I get really, really frustrated at times.