iPod compatibility with Dell laptops.

[precipitate]

The last time I bought an iPod (3g 15 gig) I connected it to my home-built computer. For some reason the iPod couldn't be recognized. I was planing on connecting it to my Dell Laptop but my Dell has no firewire ports and I didn't want to shell out money to buy a dock so I returned it instead. The newer generations of iPods come with a USB cable so I'm planning on getting a new one. My question is if the iPod will be recognized by my computer. I know this is a stupid question but I want to make sure that it will work and I won't have to return it again. The laptop I have is a Dell Inspiron 1100. Thanks in advanced.

[MikeM]

It has less to do with being a Dell or what model and more to do with meeting the system reqs.

Do you have usb 2.0 ports?
Win XP?
HD space?
RAM?

[precipitate]

1. Yes, I'm pretty sure I have USB 2.0 but doesn't the older version of USB work as well (though slow)? Or am I mistaken?
2. I have Windows XP Home Edition.
3. 60 gigs.
4. 256 DDR.

[MikeM]

Looks like you're all set. USB 1 will work but you find it painfully slow.

You can get a USB 2 or Firewire [or both] PC cards for something like $50-80 if you decide you can't take it anymore. :)

[matzohball]

Just got my HP iPod today and I have a similar question. My Dell Latitude laptop is 18 months old and does NOT have usb 2, but it does have a Firewire 4pin port. My iTunes lib is transfering music to my iPod using the usb as stated in another post. Here's my question: should I get a firewire adapter? Is it safer for my iPod or my laptop? or does it matter if I continue to use the usb port that I have?

Much thanks for your advice in advance,

matzohball

[MOCKBA]

I have Dell Latitude. I just bought the cheapest firewire card I can find, and it works! Good luck with your Dell.

[matzohball]

I don't need a firewire card since I have a 4pin firewire dock. I would just need an adapter, I believe. The question is do I really NEED it? I hate to have another cable around if it's not necessary. It's took me 2 hrs to load my iTunes lib of 1500 songs via my old USB port. How long would it take with a firewire port if I get the adapter?

[enjoilax]

ALOT faster.

BY alot i mean: ~ 400 times faster. At least.

Usb 1 = 12 mbps and Firewire = 400 mbps

:D you do the math.

[matzohball]

it looks like you did the math for me and I'm covinced. i went to Frys and bought a 6pin to 4pin firewire adapter fpr 6.99 and now i can sync up thru firewire. thanks so much for the advice, enjoilax.

[zornstar]

I use my iPod through USB 2.0. (usb hub actually, there are major power issues).

I also use it on my Dell Laptop, Windows 2000 Professional

So if you don't mind the extra time syncing (as I do not), USB 2.0 will work fine.