iPod For Idiots

[Go2Guy]

Ok, I got my first iPod (the Shuffle - 1 Gig) on Ebay and wondering if I bought some stolen merchandise. It didn't come with any software, just the Shuffle and the USB connection.

I downloaded iTunes and I'm ready to transfer tunes. I went to the Apple site but didn't find the software download for the Shuffle; just the iTunes.

Will iTunes automatically download my podcast? I don't see any tab on iTunes to manually transfer the file. Do I need the iPod software?

THe podcast plays on my desktop; I just can't seem to get iTunes to transfer it.

Thanks

 

[Angie]

Does the podcast just download as an .mp3 or something to your desktop? How does it work?

If it does, you can go to File > Add File to Library, browse to wherever the audio file is, and import it. There really isn't much in the way of iPod software (at least for the bigger iPods) - iTunes will recognize your shuffles and check for newer drivers the next time you plug it in. If you go this route, you'd have to manually drag the item from your library (where it's listed) over to where you see your Shuffle (once it's plugged in). This assumes you don't have your iPod set to autosync.

The other method is to see if that podcast is available in the iTunes Store. It would automatically be downloaded to your iTunes library then.

 

[whirlybirds]

i hate iTunes. can you use any other programs instead? half of my files never show up in iPod, but sometimes do in my playlists

 

[Angie]

i hate iTunes. can you use any other programs instead? half of my files never show up in iPod, but sometimes do in my playlists

I think there's something with Monkey or Gorilla or something in the title (Greasemonkey???) that works with iPods, but I've never tried it.

 

[isucyfan]

I think there's something with Monkey or Gorilla or something in the title (Greasemonkey???) that works with iPods, but I've never tried it.

MediaMonkey...free and very good.

I use JRiver Media Center, which I love (and is a small Minnesota company). There are a lot of free apps out there that in my opinion, are better than Itunes.

 

[Cycofan1]

I don't think you can. a podcast is a video. you have a shuffle it doesn't play videos.

 

[Angie]

I don't think you can. a podcast is a video. you have a shuffle it doesn't play videos.

Not all podcasts are videos.

 

[dustinal]

Unfortunately, moving an audio file to an iPod Shuffle isn't as simple as clicking and dragging the file to the iPod. Have you run the setup on the iPod Shuffle? It should show up the first time you plug it into your computer--well, at least if you're running it on a Mac. Not so sure if you have a PC.

Once you have the iPod Shuffle set up and the latest software downloaded (again--should happen automatically when you do the setup), the iPod should show up on the left side of the iTunes window. From there, you drag the titles you want to the iPod, and then you should be able to play them.

 

[Go2Guy]

Once you have the iPod Shuffle set up and the latest software downloaded (again--should happen automatically when you do the setup), the iPod should show up on the left side of the iTunes window. From there, you drag the titles you want to the iPod, and then you should be able to play them.

Ok thanks for your help. I'm using Vista and, after rebooting and opening / closing iTunes, I finally did get a tab appearing on the left side indicating "Owners iPod". I was able to drag & drop the mp3 file and it works. Thanks.

 

[Go2Guy]

If you go this route, you'd have to manually drag the item from your library (where it's listed) over to where you see your Shuffle (once it's plugged in). This assumes you don't have your iPod set to autosync.
.

Thanks; I had to reboot and open/close iTunes a couple times, but it finally appeared on the left panel and I could drag & drop the mp3 podcast.

 

[jumbopackage]

Do yourself a favor and ditch itunes and pick up a free copy of mediamonkey.

It does everything iTunes does (except integrate the itunes store), and it does it way better, IMO.

Also, the shuffle isn't nearly as good as some of the other players in it's class, the Sansa Clip for example.

 

[Angie]

Do yourself a favor and ditch itunes and pick up a free copy of mediamonkey.

It does everything iTunes does (except integrate the itunes store), and it does it way better, IMO.

Also, the shuffle isn't nearly as good as some of the other players in it's class, the Sansa Clip for example.

Eh, it's all preference. I personally like the user interface of iTunes, and love the way iPods are always on the forefront of technology. I've never had a Shuffle, but love my video, video Nano, and Touch. Loved my first gen and old Nano, too.