Clearing things up - A few Q's with regards to Syncing, Win '98, Updates and New iPod

[Rich_aka_Wig]

Hi,

I've been regularly browsing this forum, and now I've got the money I'm eager to purchase one. Just have a few questions with regards to the subject, so if anyone could help please let me know.

PS: I'm sure these Q's ahve been asked 101 times but I can't find it all in such limited time.

1) What does it mean to "sync" your iPod?

2) Track information isn't taken from the MP3 file name, instead it's taken from "tags" which you can edit in MMJB and other such programs correct?

3) I'm on Windows '98 SE and despite what Apple says, at a basic level, my iPod will work with my PC - correct? I'll be ordering off teh Apple Store - does this still apply with the latest model of iPod?

4) Upon purchase, I'll ahve to convert my iPod from Mac to Windows yeah? A guide to doing so can be found on this site (think I've read it).

5) What's the deal with these 1.3 and 2.1 updates? What benefits do they give and how will they affect me on '98 - is there anything I should consider?

6) What's the deal with the iPod dock - is it compatible with '98/require software which will work with '98? Is just a form of charging/alternative iPod power source?

Many thanks to anyone who answers.

 

[ashawley]

OK, here goes:

1) Sync means to syncronize the contents of your PC w/your iPod. Essentially the tunes in your uploading program's library are uploaded to the iPod. You can sync playlists or files individually. It depends on what program you're using to upload how it's done. But, by rule, if you remove a song from a playlist, it will be removed from the iPod the next time you sync

2) The iPod is all about Tags - file name's don't make any differnce.

3) You can use 98SE. I recommend you upgrade to XP--but that's me. Follow the guidelines listed here. There is potentially one problem though. The new updater (version 2.1) will not work on 98SE. Hopefully the iPod you get still has the old version of the updater on the CD (2.0.1). You need this software to format the iPod for use w/Windows. Once they start shipping new iPods w/the 2.1 Updater 98SE folks will be out of luck. Until someone comes up w/a workaround.

4) See item 3

5) 1.3 is for 1st & 2nd Gen iPods. You'll only be able to use the 2.0.1 version. Note that Apple doesn't support 98SE on the 2.1 firmware version and future versions I suspect will also not be supported. So, you'll need to find a friend w/a firewire and 2K or XP to update/restore your iPod--or upgrade yourself.

6) The dock is just a stand for the iPod--and it has a line out for connecting to your stereo. The dock charges too, but you don't need the dock to charge.

Adam

 

[Rich_aka_Wig]

Adam, cheers for getting back - all is clear and pretty much ready to go; will just need to ask Apple if the software the iPod comes with will be 2.01 rather than 2.1

So, you'll need to find a friend w/a firewire and 2K or XP to update/restore your iPod--or upgrade yourself.

You mention firewire, but USB 2.0 is OK too with either version of Windows too right?

 

[ashawley]

Yup, USB is fine too.

Adam

 

[MOCKBA]

2). Track information CAN be taken from the MP3 or AAC file name. It's up to your uploader.
5). Some people are negative to 2.1, since after ejecting iPod u need disconnect it to start using.

 

[iHEARTiPods]

so, some 3G iPods have 2.01 and some have 2.1? How can you tell which firmware you're getting? I'm just worried because i have Win98se and I really want to know if it's going to work with my computer. Oh, yeah, I'm planning on getting a 3G 20Gb

 

[ashawley]

<snip>
2). Track information CAN be taken from the MP3 or AAC file name. It's up to your uploader.
</snip>

Care to name one Mockba? I know of now uploader that takes info from file name to populate the iPod's database.

Adam

 

[Rich_aka_Wig]

With regards to "iHEARTiPods" question Apple actually haven't gotten back to me about this yet (I emailed them about it) - so the question's open to anyone?

Also, replying/upping to ask whether I'll need any additional cables to connect my iPod to my USB port? Maybe, I'm being a bit padantic, but the description on the APple Store site only says it comes with (i'm looking at teh 10GB):

159 grams
61 x 104 x 15.8 mm
Apple Earphones
AC Adapter
FireWire cable
PC FireWire adapter

Could someone clear this up for me perhaps?

 

[iHEARTiPods]

yes, you do have to buy an addition usb cord. i would recommend just buying a firewire card if possible, the usb cable is $20 and i bought a firewire card for $13.

 

[ashawley]

Well, guess what, check out the How to Use the iPod w/Win98SE sticky. I just updated it with new info. It looks like the iPod 2.1 Updater is available from the CD in uncompressed format so you can copy it to your PC and use it no problem under 98SE.

Adam

 

[Benco]

Compad

one quick question, lets say I format my ipod with my Win XP computer and then want to transfer more files onto the pod with my WIN98SE comp. when I run the updater from whatever firmware I get on the 98SE comp, will it reformat again for windows , after I had added the files from the XP computer?

Will it format twice?

 

[Benco]

would someone please answer my question?