iPod download questions

[SadieKate]

I know someone posted about this but I can't get the search engine to find it.

The laptop I used for the original rip and synchronize effort died a long time ago. Obviously, I have new stuff I'd like to load/delete to the iPod plus tags I'd like to correct. Additionally, a bunch of you spent my money on Squeezeboxes not too long ago so I might well start over with re-ripping CDs in a better format.

I'd like to just wipe my iPod clean and start over but I'm not sure Apple will provide any way to synchronize with a new laptop. My guess is that I'll need 3rd party software. Any recommendations and instructions?

As I recall, iTunes is horrible for the data that goes with classical music. I'll go back and re-read my thread that culminated in the Squeezeboxes, but I'd like your recommendations on what to do about sync-ing with the iPod and wanting classical music data where I'm more concerned with the composer than the artist.

Also, best way to rip CDs now? I think BikerZ told me about lossless format on my own laptop. Oh, this is all so hazy now.

Let's see who will respond first: Oakleaf, BikerZ, PedalWench, Irulan . . .

[Irulan]

have you looked at how Winamp handles classical music? I can't help with your other issues, but it may be an option for you? I do not/will not use iTunes for music organization, and I have been very satisfied with Winamp's music management.

I do rip my cd's with winamp (pro)but I don't know what features you are looking for.

[SadieKate]

I recalled you mentioning Winamp in the other thread so it was on my list to evaluate.

And you win for first response!

[SadieKate]

Anyone tried this? It looks like the few files I have on the iPod where the CD has gone missing could be "rescued".

http://www.codershole.com/idump.php

[OakLeaf]

Let's see who will respond first: Oakleaf, BikerZ, PedalWench, Irulan . . .

I'm not much help. I just created iTunes smart playlists for a few of my favorite composers.

I think as long as your new computer is authorized on your iTunes account, there shouldn't be any trouble syncing (? Firefox spellcheck says that's it... but I'd say synching... anyway) syncing it with your iPod. IIRC you can authorize five computers now, but obviously you still want to de-authorize a computer when you decommission it.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm not much help. I just created iTunes smart playlists for a few of my favorite composers.

I think as long as your new computer is authorized on your iTunes account, there shouldn't be any trouble syncing (? Firefox spellcheck says that's it... but I'd say synching... anyway) syncing it with your iPod. IIRC you can authorize five computers now, but obviously you still want to de-authorize a computer when you decommission it.

Here too... You can authorize the new computer and you'll be fine. I think you can also go in and edit the classical music files to change the name to whatever you want it to be. I know I can change the names of files if the music is stored on that computer. Don't have my iPod to see if I can change it there too, but I think you can.

[SadieKate]

Ah ha! The usual suspects are responding. BZ is prolly still recovering from the Attack of the Cyclists at the Saturday W2W rest stop.

iTunes and winamp: when you say "authorize" additional computers, can I download from the iPod to the PC when I sync? So maybe I wouldn't have to re-rip everything immediately? Or use 3rd party SW just to create a backup before I start this project.

Re the classical issue: I can't find anything on winamp's site about the specific metadata which can be recorded, i.e., composer vs artist

[Irulan]

Ah ha! The usual suspects are responding. BZ is prolly still recovering from the Attack of the Cyclists at the Saturday W2W rest stop.

iTunes and winamp: when you say "authorize" additional computers, can I download from the iPod to the PC when I sync? So maybe I wouldn't have to re-rip everything immediately? Or use 3rd party SW just to create a backup before I start this project.

Re the classical issue: I can't find anything on winamp's site about the specific metadata which can be recorded, i.e., composer vs artist

Let me take a look into what I see.

We have several ipods, several computers, and several winamps. We have had no issues hooking my ipod to hubby's laptop or anyother variation. Winamp is not a mac product so I think it just does it's own thing. I don't buy music from Itunes, I just rip cds from the libaray etc. into mp3's or whatevers. So I can't comment on all the crazy stuff that comes with itunes music.

I can do a screen shot of what your options are, composer and artist are available.

[SadieKate]

Cool. That's sounds good as I think it will let me rip to FLAC for use with the Squeezeboxi.

Was just asked to score at the local cross race so I'll try it later this evening.

[Irulan]

keep in mind that the Pro version has many more features than the free version, which I did use for years. I like it well enough that I ponied up the $19.95 for the full version. If you need me to check anything else lmk.

[SadieKate]

Yep, planned to do that. $20 is cheap if I can also rip with it.

[Irulan]

you can rip with the free version, you can rip FASTER with the $$ one.

[OakLeaf]

Actually... I just inherited a (last gen) iPod Touch that my niece got free with her new laptop (she already had an iPod).

Now that I look at it a little harder, <fanfare> it lets you sort by composer!

Since you can buy iTunes music with iPod Touch as well as iPhone, a sync must really be a two-way sync - at least with those units. Can't speak to other iPods.

[DirtDiva]

If you are wanting to transfer everything from your iPod to a new computer, there's masses of little programmes that will do the trick. The one I've used is PodPlus. I remember it being easy to navigate if you just wanted to pull of a few albums/tracks rather than copying everything. You can also transfer stuff directly from computer to computer by setting up a network through your wireless. Can't remember exactly how we got that to work, but a mate and I did manage to, uh, share our iTunes libraries that way. That's the hard part: once you've got the music on the new laptop it's no trouble to "wipe your iPod clean and start over".

[SadieKate]

Yay! Good news. Our old Sony Vaio made the move to Oregon with us because I'd never gotten around to wiping/reformatting the old harddrive. I figured a pro would have to do it. But I had the epiphany Saturday that I could buy a shell and turn it into an external harddrive which means I recovered all my old files. And, most importantly, I can wipe out the tax records on there.

Anyone need a new screen for their old Vaio? Going on Craigslist.