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iPod idiot's guide.

Right then. I'm getting to the stage where I am considering getting one.

So - please sympathise with this old git - how do I go about it?

Do I have to buy all the music again? I've already paid for it on vinyl and CD - and also in some cases on cassette too.

Or can I transfer stuff onto it?

Please can someone explain to a poor old man?

Easy from CD, as long as your computer has a disc slot and isn't wind-up. From vinyl or cassette I don't know - I think there might be some funny hardware you can buy to do that but some tech-savvy people might help more.

I'll need a computer too?

So basically I can copy stuff then.

It's two things Dave - the ipod and a computer program called itunes. You copy all of your songs onto your computer from your CDs and they are stored on the computer hard drive. When you plug the ipod into the computer it automatically gets all of the songs copied onto it.

From then on, you remove and add songs by using the computer program (iTunes). If you delete a song from your computer it will be deleted from your ipod next time you connect it. If you add a song it will copied to the ipod next time you connect it.

It's easy to get the hang of once you start.

Thanks Godot. I'll give it a go. Can I do that with my mobile too?

Don't forget that there are other products out there; it's not just the iPod/iPhone/iWank.

You can probably find this cheaper, but to get you started: http://www.firebox.com/product/2305/

What do you mean - connect it to iTunes? If it's an iphone you can. An iphone is an ipod.

Quote: Chappers @ May 13 2010, 1:20 AM BST

Can I do that with my mobile too?

Only if you have an iPhone will you be able to do that with iTunes, I believe. You'd need to use your phone's own software (or perhaps Explorer, assuming you're on Windows) otherwise.

When you load it into I Tunes, does all of the Album/track information get copied automatically or do you have to input manually?

My wife has an I Pod which our son loaded some songs onto a couple of years ago, now she's getting to the stage where she wants to start doing it herself. And he's sodded off to university.

Personally, I don't like headphones so have just ordered a hard drive player which will convert CD to MP3 I believe, although can't be used with an I Pod because of their I Tunes whatsit. And it's big enough for a clumsy middle aged doofus to be able to work the buttons.

Quote: steve by any other name @ May 13 2010, 8:12 AM BST

When you load it into I Tunes, does all of the Album/track information get copied automatically or do you have to input manually?

You can create playlists and choose which playlists you want your iPod to be loaded from. So you don't need all your sons crazy music.

Quote: Godot Taxis @ May 13 2010, 1:22 AM BST

What do you mean - connect it to iTunes? If it's an iphone you can. An iphone is an ipod.

It seems to have a music facility but there's nothing on it at the moment.

Quote: EllieJP @ May 13 2010, 9:19 AM BST

You can create playlists and choose which playlists you want your iPod to be loaded from.

How?

File ---> New Play list ---> Name it ---> Drag songs into it from your music.

When you plug in your iPod click on it where it shows up on the left hand side. It will then say at the bottom "autofill from" and choose the playlist you created.

Quote: steve by any other name @ May 13 2010, 8:12 AM BST

When you load it into I Tunes, does all of the Album/track information get copied automatically or do you have to input manually?

Depends on the source. If you're copying from a CD, then it'll at least try to find the track listing automatically. It'd probably get it right 90% of the time or so. If you've recorded the songs yourself, from tape or LP as David was asking about for example, then you'll need to type up the titles and names yourself.

Well I managed to get them on my laptop - but couldn't find a lead for my phone! Bugger! Wanted to get some ready before my flight.

Just take a caseful of C90s and your old Walkman, Dave - some kid'll probably offer you loads for it as retro chic.

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