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Using Ipod On Different Computers

Can I use my iPod on different types of computers? Is the iPod compatible with Internet Explorer?

These are just two of the common questions people ask about using the iPod on different computers / operating systems. Let me start with the short answer, and then we will get more specific. You can use your iPod on any computer where iTunes can be properly installed … and that includes most computers running either OS X (for Macs) or Windows (for PCs).

It’s also best to download the latest version of iTunes, and to upgrade when new versions come out. At the time of this blog post, the most recent version of iTunes is 7.0.

More specifically, you can use an iPod on any Mac running the OS X operation system (or later), or any PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Here are the tech specs for Mac vs. Windows straight from the Apple website:

Mac system requirements

  • Macintosh computer with USB 2.0 port
  • Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
  • iTunes 7 or later

Windows system requirements

  • PC with USB 2.0
  • Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
  • iTunes 7 or later

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Transferring Music from Computer to iPod

One of the first things you will probably want to do with your new iPod is transferring music from your computer to your iPod. After all, the whole appeal of an iPod in the first place is the fact that you can use iTunes to transfer music from your computer to your iPod, and thus have a convenient, portable way to carry your music with you.

Transferring Music - The Basics

To transfer your tunes onto your iPod, all you really have to do is connect your iPod to your computer using the cable that came with your iPod. Once you plug the device into your computer, your computer should recognize the iPod and automatically launch your iTunes program. If not, you may have to manually launch iTunes by clicking on the icon.

Note: iPod is compatible with Macintosh computers running Mac OS X and PCs running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Once your iPod is connected to your computer, all you have to do is select the playlist you want to export, and then export it onto your iPod. If you already have a playlist on your iPod, you will be asked whether or not you want to synch the playlist with iTunes. This means the most recent version of that playlist will be transferred from your computer to your iPod.

Learn more on the Apple website.

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iPod Microphone - Product Reviews

If you’ve ever been curious about iPod microphones or using your iPod as a recording device, you’ll want to check out this review of iPod microphones over on O-Reilly’s website.

Author Mark Nelson tested three popular models of iPod microphone — the Belkin TuneTalk Stereo, Griffin iTalk Pro, and XtremeMac MicroMemo.

Article excerpt:

No matter which device you choose, recording on an iPod couldn’t be easier. Each device has a button that calls up the iPod Voice Memo screen. A click of the iPod’s wheel is all it takes to start recording. 

Read the full article

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Red iPod Makes Debut

We have seen white iPods, of course. And even some black iPods (like the U2 model). Now there’s an iPod nano in bright red.

But this isn’t just any ordinary color release. This red iPod nano is on a mission. Apple has released the new color to support the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. It’s all part of Product Red.

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iPod Causes Issues With Pacemakers?

In “Internet time” this iPod story is old news. But perhaps you missed it. According to a story originated by the Reuters news agency, a study conducted by a high school student concluded that the iPod can interfere with pacemakers. The student presented his study to a meeting of heart specialists last week, which explains the sudden media explosion.

Excerpt:

The study tested the effect of the portable music devices on 100 patients, whose mean age was 77, outfitted with pacemakers. Electrical interference was detected half of the time when the iPod was held just 2 inches from the patient’s chest for 5 to 10 seconds. -Reprint source, PCMag.com

In addition to the media hype spawned by this iPod “study,” there has been some good humor as well. Take, for example, this mock news story about a combination iPod / pacemaker called the ekgPod.

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Waterproof Cases for iPod

The LA Times website recently posted a review of waterproof iPod cases. In all, they tested three popular models including Aquapac, OtterBox and H2O Headphones.

Excerpt:

To protect our precious digital players on the road, we now have a selection of waterproof and shockproof cases. Some shells resemble modified sandwich bags. Others look like “Star Trek” communicators. We tested three popular versions, using an iPod Nano.

Read the full article

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iPod Battery Replacement

Among iPod users, battery placement is a frequent topic of discussion. Many iPod users are afraid they will damage their iPod when replacing the battery. Such fears are easy to understand, given the delicate circuitry of the Apple iPod.

But iPod battery replacement is not as difficult as you might think. We have some excellent tutorials on iPod battery replacement in the old article archives.

You can also find some good video tutorials online, including several at YouTube:

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini-tutorial on iPod batter replacement. And remember, Gang, “If you break it, you have nobody to blame but yourself.”

~Brandon

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Connecting Apple iPod to Vista-based Computer - Caution

It seems that if you connect your Apple iPod to a PC running Windows Vista (the latter being one of the most flawed products of our time, in my humble opinion), you run the risk of “corrupting” your iPod.

I don’t mean your iPod will turn to a life of crime. I mean “corrupt” in the data sense, in that your iPod no workie so good. It comes from using the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon while the iPod is connected. “Safely,” in this case, apparently means “with damage to your hardware.”

But fear not, iPod-to-Vista users, for Microsoft has released another one of its famous (infamous) upgrades to solve the problem. Here’s some history on the subject.

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Taking on the iPod Shuffle?

You know your product is a front runner will all new products in the field are said to be “challenging” you and “taking you on.” Such is the case with most iPod products, including the iPod shuffle.

There has been some preliminary buzz about the Zen Stone music player, made by Creative. It is said to have similar specs as the iPod Shuffle, but costs a bit less.

How will it fare? Who knows. I just know the iPod Shuffle is not going to be knocked off it’s pedestal anytime soon. And why should it? It’s an innovation, and as with most innovations the Shuffle puts itself into a class of its own. So even if another product came along with similar qualities to “take on” the iPod Shuffle, it’s still just a sincere form of flattery … I mean mimicry.

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Take Your iPod Shuffle for a Swim

Some people are die-hard iPod lovers. You know … the folks who take their iPods everywhere they go. These people will be glad to know that you can take your iPod swimming. Yes, swimming.

A company called SwimMan sells waterproof iPod Shuffles for swimmers. To quote their website:

Swimman has created the first and only completely waterproof iPod shuffle … SwimMan, the originator of waterproof audio players and waterproof headphones, has combined two top-of-the-line products by two top-of-the-line companies: A 100% SwimManTM WATERPROOFED Apple 1GB iPod Shuffle (2nd generation) and SwimMan’s acclaimed 100% WATERPROOF headphones.

That’s pretty neat and ambitious and all, but I’ll be excited when a magma-proof iPod comes onto the scene. You know, for those of us who spend our weekends tunneling and mapping out the earth’s core.

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