Windows 98SE and Shuffle...?

[Stixer]

Hello all,

I'd like to buy a friend a Shuffle for her high-school graduation, but her laptop runs Windows 98SE. I don't want to get her something that only leads to frustration (and as a Mac user, I'm not too familiar with the Windows world).

In searching the archives, I see information for 98SE and the iPod but wonder if that includes the Shuffle. Also, it looks like this may be changing frequently, so I'd like to make sure I have current information.

She's on a budget, but probably doesn't demand a lot of extra features. She has music ripped onto her computer that she listens to on a CD player, so I'm assuming MP3 format.

Also, curious if she would be able to buy music from iTunes store, although that wouldn't be a deal-breaker if not possible.

Suggestions? Cautions? Opinions?

Thanks ahead,

--- Stixer

[SuperSnake2012]

The iPod requires at least Windows 2000 to run. There is probably software to let her use her iPod on her computer, but iTunes won't install. She would have to upgrade to at least Windows 2000 or XP to use it.

[Stixer]

Thanks SuperSnake

I understand that Windows 98SE and iTunes software are not compatible, and upgrading to XP or 2000 is not an option for my friend right now.

I also believe that there is alternative software that will work with Windows 98SE, but I think that perhaps some will work with iPods but not Shuffles, and some will work with iPods *and* Shuffles.

As a non-Windows person, I am looking for some recommendations, as I don't understand all the ins and outs of Windows.

She'll be a college student, interested in filling her Shuffle from ripped music, and perhaps buying ocassionally from iTunes music store, if possible (but that isn't necessary).

I don't want to buy her a Shuffle as a gift, only to find out that it's unworkable or that the software is really expensive. OTOH, I love my Shuffle and I think she would love one too, for both music and as a flash-data-drive.

Thanks again,


Stixer

[§±.ñññâ]

I think I found what you are thinking about when you say 98SE software ;) You should bookmark it (thats what I did)

{http}win98{dot}drivers{dot}w{dot}interia{dot}pl/ipod{dot}html

The driver has been tested with following devices:
iPod Shuffle
4G iPod ("with ClickWheel")
iPod Mini
3G iPod

[Edit]Sorry about no clicky, not enough posts yet :(

[Edit2] You could just click my sig for the link :D

-Ben

[Stixer]

Thanks Ben,

I will check out that link.

--- Stixer

[MOCKBA]

She can consider other online music stores like napster, rapsody and many others.

[zin-chee]

I think realplayer's music works on ipods, napster doesn't, I'm pretty sure...since they attack the ipod in their ads.

[§±.ñññâ]

On the Win 98 driver site I suggested, the creator has given alot of uploading options:

Unfortunately, you cannot use Windows 98 with Apple iTunes software. But you can use one of independent software for uploading your music to iPod:

* RealPlayer v. 10.5 and newer. Free version is OK.
* Winamp with iPod Plugin - supports Shuffle!
* SharePod - a great program for downloading mp3 back from iPod to other computer
* EphPod
* vPod (old versions)