iPod to Mac - How to Transfer Purchased Content From Your iPod to Your Mac

iPod to Mac - Before You Begin

Your iPod probably contains all your iTunes library data.

Courtesy of Apple

iPod to Mac copying has long been frowned upon by Apple. But since iTunes 7.3, Apple has allowed iPod to Mac copying, for transferring iTunes libraries from one computer to another, and, more importantly in my estimation, for using your iPod as a backup device. After all, your iPod probably contains a complete copy of your iTunes library.

Nevertheless, I don't recommend relying on your iPod as a backup device. I think of an iPod more as a backup of last resort, one that you actually shouldn't ever need to use, because you create regular backups on other media.

You do make backups, right? No? Well, this is a good time to start. If all of your music is on your iPod, your iPod can serve as your backup. By following these instructions you should be able to copy your music, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac, using iTunes.

iTunes 7.3 or Later

Starting with version 7.3, iTunes includes a new feature that lets you copy purchased music from your iPod to the iTunes library on your Mac. This feature works with all Apple DRM-protected tracks, as well as iTunes Plus tracks, which are DRM free.

What You Need

1. An iPod with your content intact.
   
   
2. A Mac in fully operational condition.
   
   
3. iTunes 7.3 or later
   
   
4. An iPod syncing cable.

iPod to Mac - Authorize iTunes

iTunes 7.3 and later lets you copy files from your iPod.

Courtesy of Apple

Before you can copy music from your iPod to your Mac, you must authorize iTunes on your Mac with the same account that was used to purchase the music.

If your Mac is already authorized, you can skip this step and go on to the next one.

Authorize iTunes

1. Launch iTunes on the destination Mac.
   
   
2. From the Store menu, select 'Authorize Computer.'
   
   
3. Enter your Apple ID and Password.
   
   
4. Click the 'Authorize' button.

iPod to Mac - Transfer Purchases

To transfer purchased songs, audio books, podcasts, videos, and movies you buy from the iTunes Store from your iPod to Mac, all you need to do is plug your iPod into your Mac and launch iTunes 7.3 or later.

Transfer Purchases

1. Plug your iPod into your Mac.
   
   
2. Confirm that your iPod is mounted in iTunes.

If you have iTunes configured to automatically sync with your iPod, you will be greeted by a sync warning message that will allow you to start the transfer. If you have automatic syncing turned off, you can still transfer your purchased music and other content, using the iTunes menus.

Automatic Syncing

1. iTunes will display a sync warning message, informing you that the iPod you plugged in may be synced with a different iTunes library, and presenting you with two options for proceeding.
   • Erase and Sync. This option replaces the contents of the iPod with the contents of the iTunes library on the Mac.
   • Transfer Purchases. This option copies any iTunes Store purchases this Mac is authorized to play from the iPod to the Mac's iTunes library.
     
     
2. Click the 'Transfer Purchases' button.

Transfer Purchases Manually

1. Select 'Transfer Purchases' from the File menu.

iPod to Mac - One More Thing

The transfer from iPod to Mac is complete. All of the items you purchased through the iTunes Store and authorized for this Mac have been copied to the Mac. If you want to copy content other than purchased files from your iPod to your Mac, refer to Copy Tunes From Your iPod to Your Mac. This guide will show you a completely manual way to access and copy all of the data on your iPod, not just purchased content.

How To Reset/Restart a Frozen iPod Nano

If you've got a frozen iPod nano that isn't responding to clicks, you may be worried that your iPod is broken. But don't worry - it probably isn't. It probably just crashed. To fix this, you'll just need to restart it. Luckily, resetting a frozen iPod nano is pretty easy. Here’s how you do it (this works for both the first generation and second generation iPod nano).
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 1 Minute
Here's How:

1. NOTE: First make sure that your iPod’s hold button isn’t on. This is the little switch at the top left corner of the iPod video that you can move to “lock” the iPod’s buttons. If this is on, you’ll see a little orange area at the top of the iPod nano and a lock icon on the iPod’s screen. If you see either of these, move the switch back and see if this fixes the problem.

If the hold switch wasn’t the problem do the following:
2. Move the hold switch to the on position and then move it back to off.
3. Hold down the Menu button on the clickwheel and the center button at the same time. Hold these together for 6-10 seconds. This should restart the iPod nano. You’ll know the iPod is restarting when the screen changes and the Apple logo appears.
4. If this doesn’t work at first, you should repeat the steps.
5. If this doesn’t work, you should try plugging your iPod into a power source and let it charge. Then repeat the steps.
6. If this doesn’t work, you may have a bigger problem, and ought to get more help.

iPod Trade In Programs

Upgrading from an older iPod model to the latest, most wonderful, and cutting edge iPod can be an expensive proposition. Plus, you’ve got a perfectly good iPod on your hands, so can you use that to your advantage to cut the cost of your new toy?

Sure you can!

While you can always try selling your old iPod on eBay or Craigslist or other similar places, some retailers have iPod trade on programs in place that credit you for the purchase of a new iPod when you trade them your old one.

These programs all have different terms, so be sure to read closely and ask questions before parting with your iPod, but this is a great way to get that new gadget and pay a bit less for it.

Here are links to a few sites with iPod trade in programs:

Small Dog Electronics
This long-time Apple reseller offers $40-$135 credit for models starting with the iPod Shuffle. Non-working iPods can even net you a $25 credit!

Small Dog Profile and Reviews | Visit the Small Dog website

NextWorth
This site offers a used iPod calculator tool that is both informative and interesting. Use it to gauge the value of your iPod and then decide if you want to sell. You can also buy used iPods from the site.

SecondRotation
SecondRotation buys all kinds of used electronics - from cell phones to iPods - based on their condition, the packaging and accessories they include, and more. Prices paid for iPods are good - a 4th-generation iPod in good condition nets US$54.

GadgetLocker
GadgetLocker.com offers a $20 store credit for your old iPod. You can use that credit to buy iPods, video games, PDAs, and more.

PodSwap
PodSwap buys and sells used iPods and accessories, offering cash for your used iPod or store credit in case you'd like to trade up to a newer model. Their stock seems to vary, but their inventory of older models is solid.

Electronic Warehouse
Electronic Warehouse will give you a US$20 credit towards electronics or golf purchases when you trade them your stock Apple iPod earbuds. Lots of people get new headphones for their iPods or iPhones, so if you're one of them, here's a way to turn those earbuds that you're not using into something you will use.

BuyMyTronics
BuyMyTronics buys both working and broken iPods and iPhones, as well as a range of other electronics and gadgets. They fix and resell broken products (though not apparently on their website).

Recycling iPods
For those who want to protect the environment more than their wallets, Apple offers an iPod recycling program. This is especially good if your iPod is too old to trade or broken. iPods recycled through this program net you a 10% discount on a new iPod purchase.

How to Add DVDs to Your iPod Using Videora

Introduction to Videora iPod Converter

Now that the iPod can play videos, there are many people curious about how to get their DVDs and TV shows, movies, and video files into a format that the iPod can play.

There are a number of ways to do this, including programs that you can download. One of these programs is called the Videora iPod Converter.

Videora iPod Converter is a Windows-only program that takes video from files or DVDs and converts it to iPod format to make it playable on the video iPod. This guide tells you how to get video from your DVDs or other files onto your iPod using Videora iPod Converter.

NOTE: Be sure to only use this process with DVDs or video files that you own. Doing this with someone else’s DVDs or files is theft.

Download and Install Videora

"videora ipod DVD converter, step 1"

Start by downloading Videora iPod Converter and installing it. It works with Windows.

As part of the installation process, you may need to download an updated version of Microsoft’s .NET framework. If you do, the installer will help you. Just follow its instructions.

Then get the DVD you want to add to your iPod and insert it into your PC. If you’re going to convert a file already on your computer, you don’t need to do anything with the file yet.

Choose Conversion Process

Once you’ve installed the software, the Videora iPod Converter home screen will pop up. As far as I can tell, you can’t turn off the ads.

Once you get past that, start your conversion by clicking the “convert” button at the top of the window.

This will give you two options for converting DVDs. The first is to use the conversion wizard, the other is a direct conversion.

To use the wizard, click the link in the middle of the window.

To do a direct conversion, click the “Select File” button at the bottom right of the screen.

Select the DVD to Convert

Either way, the next thing to do is to navigate through Windows to your DVD. Open it in Windows Explorer.

Select the Video File

Once you’ve opened the DVD, you’ll see a folder with audio and one with video. Choose video.

In that folder, you’ll find the tracks on the DVD. They won’t be named, so you’ll need to either guess at what you’re after, or determine which it is based on its number.

Once you’ve selected the video, click “open.”

Choose DVD Conversion Options

Now you can select from a series of options. You can control the quality of the audio and video of your new file with the sliders. The size of the file resulting from your choices will be displayed at the bottom of the window (this is not always 100% accurate, though. My conversion was predicted to be 44MB, but ended up being 87MB).

There are other options you can set, such as automatically adding the file to iTunes after conversion and where the file is saved, by clicking the “Options” tab at the top of the window.

Click the "next" or “convert” button, depending on which direction you chose.

Convert the DVD to iPod Format

The conversion of the video to iPod format will run. For my 16-minute video, the conversion took about 10 minutes.

When it’s done, Videora will forward you to a window showing the video as part of your video library now.

The video resulting from my conversion process looks great.

Add Video to iTunes

Now you’ve got an iPod-compatible version of your file. To add it to your iPod, drag it into the Movies section of your iTunes library. You may find that it doesn’t have a useful title, credits, etc.

Sync with iPod

Once all this is done, sync your iPod with iTunes and your video will be downloaded and ready to play!

Preventing iPod Theft: Tips to Avoid Having Your iPod Stolen

IPods are among the most popular items for thieves these days. As a result, the numbers of iPod thefts, iPod muggings, and other violence related iPods is increasing (and, increasingly, getting a lot of media attention).

IPod users can look like good targets to thieves because iPods are expensive and also users will be less aware of their surroundings due to listening to music.

If you want to avoid iPod theft, prevent iPod theft, or not make yourself a clear target for an iPod mugging, here are some tips:

Do the obvious: keep your iPod close to you, don't leave it unattended, don't leave it exposed in your car when you're not in it, etc. Remember, an iPod is an expensive and sought-after product, so treat at as such and operate with common sense.

Ditch Your Earbuds: The white earbuds that come with iPods have become well-known indicators that the headphone cord snaking into your pocket or bag is connected to an iPod. Wearing the white earbuds is a signal to thieves that you're using an iPod. Get a different set of headphones to throw them off (the earbuds aren't that good anyway. There are lots of better options).

Don't Use Belt Clips: Belt clips are great for wearing your iPod around the house or in other safe spaces, but they're not great for keeping your iPod safe in public. Since the iPod is exposed on your body and potentially easy to pull off a belt clip, keep the clips at home.

Keep Your iPod Close: You can prevent iPod theft by keeping your iPod close to your body. After all, it's much harder to steal something that's in your bag or in an inside jacket pocket. The closer to your body the iPod can get, the better.

Clip It To Something: Avoiding iPod theft is aided when you make it harder for a thief to make off with your iPod. You can do this by clipping your iPod to something. Many cases, for instance, include small clips for attaching the case to a bag or the like. If you keep your iPod in a bag or inside pocket, and can find something to clip it to, you'll be doing double duty in preventing iPod theft.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: This is harder said than done. When you're listening to your iPod, you probably won't be able to hear all of what's going on around you. This potentially puts you at a disadvantage relative to iPod thieves. So, to avoid iPod theft, be more alert and aware of your surroundings, and who's around you, when you're listening to your iPod.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to being safer, holding onto your iPod, and not becoming the victim of an iPod mugging.

How to Reformat iPod

Since iPods are basically big hard drives with special software and a screen, the hard drive in your iPod needs to be formatted. Formatting is essentially the process of prepping the drive to talk to the computer it connects to.

Luckily, you usually don’t have to worry about formatting your iPod. Formatting happens automatically when you first set up your iPod. If you use your iPod with a Mac, during this process it becomes Mac formatted. If you use it with Windows, it gets Windows formatting.

But what if you used to have a PC and just bought a Mac, or vice versa, and want to use your iPod with it? Then you have to reformat your iPod.

Also, if you have two computers – one Windows and one Mac – and want to use your iPod with both, you may need to reformat your iPod.
NOTE:

Before you even think about reformatting an iPod, make double sure that you’ve got your iTunes library backed up, because formatting the iPod means erasing everything on it and reloading it with songs, movies, etc.
Mac and PC Compatibility

If you have a Mac-formatted iPod and want to use it with a Windows computer, you will need to reformat it. If you have a Windows formatted iPod and want to use it with a Mac, you won’t. That’s because Macs can use both Mac and Windows-formatted iPods, whereas Windows can only use Windows-format iPods.
How to Reformat iPod

In order to reformat iPod to work on both Mac and PC, connect your iPod to a Windows computer. Then follow the steps in the how to restore your iPod article. This will reset your iPod and format it for Windows.

Now, resync your iPod with the computer that contains your iTunes library. ITunes will ask you if you want to erase and sync the iPod. If you say yes, this will redownload your iTunes library to the iPod.

At this point, you may also need a way to easily move your iTunes library to the second computer. A quick way to do this is with software that copies the contents of your iPod to a computer. Learn more about iPod copy and backup software here.
Checking iPod Format

Each time you sync your iPod, you can check what format it is. In the iPod management screen in iTunes, there’s some data at the top of the window next to the image of your iPod. One of those items is “Format,” which tells you how your iPod is formatted.

iPod Muggings - A Growing Problem For Owners

Thieves have moved from designer sneakers to iPods and they aren't playing around. Here are tips on safeguarding yourself and your iPod or any small hand held electronic device.
Make Wise Choices

* Some people choose to wear their mp3 players, cell phones and PDAs clipped to their belts for all the world to see, like some kind of 21st Century status symbol, but that may not be the best safety practice.

* Change out the popular white iPod headphones for a pair of old dingy unidentifiable ones. Using the white headphones while out in the public is advertising that somewhere on your person you are carrying an item worth over $300 and has the capability of holding over 10,000 songs -- certainly a temptation for any thief.

* Avoid carrying your iPod to and from school. Thieves who want to steal an iPod are going to head for the 'pond with the biggest fish' which is almost any high school campus throughout the country.

* Consider purchasing something along the line of Apple's iPod Mini Armbands. It will free your hands and help you secure the iPod to your body instead of displaying it with a clip on your belt.

More Ways to Avoid Having Your iPod Stolen

* Do not leave it unattended in public places.

* Do not leave it on or in your desk at work.

* Do not leave it in your school locker.

* If you leave it in your car, lock it in the trunk.

* Wear your iPod inside your clothing so that it cannot be easily snatched by a thief.

* Be wise about where you choose to use it.

These same principles apply to all digital audio players, PDAs and cellphones or any small electronic device that you want to protect.

Until makers of digital audio players come out with a theft deterrent manufactured into the products, owners of these great devices should use the same caution that they would use if they had a few hundred dollars in their pocket.

One interesting note: in a recent segment on The Apprentice, the teams developed clothing designed to hold small electronic devices. Maybe this is a hint of things to come in helping to safeguard our growing inventories of small hand held electronics.

History of the iPod

On October 23, 2001 Apple Computers publicly announced their portable music digital player the iPod, created under project codename Dulcimer. The iPod was announced several months after the release of iTunes, a program that converted audio CDs into compressed digital audio files, and could organizes your digital music collection.

Tony Fadell
One man that could be named the father of the iPod is Tony Fadell. Tony Fadell was a former employee of General Magic and Phillips who wanted to invent a better MP3 player.

After being turned down by RealNetworks and Phillips, Fadell found support for his project with Apple. Tony Fadell went to work for Apple Computers in 2001 as an independent contractor, leading a team of thirty people to develop the new MP3 player.

PortalPlayer
Tony Fadell also partnered with a company called PortalPlayer who had been working on their own MP3 player to design the software for the new Apple player. Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple Computers led the team that kept perfecting the iPod itself after Fadell's team had finished their contract.

In the Wired article, Inside Look at Birth of the IPod, Ben Knauss a former senior manager at PortalPlayer revealed that Fadell was familiar with PortalPlayer's reference designs for a couple of MP3 players, including one about the size of a cigarette packet. And though the design was unfinished, several prototypes had been built and Fadell recognized the design's potential.

Within eight months, Tony Fadell's team and PortalPlayer completed a prototype iPod and Apple polished the user interface adding the famous scroll wheel.

iPod - To Patent or Not to Patent
Apple Computers has so far been unable to patent the software interface of the iPod digital music player because of a prior filing by inventor John Platt, who submitted a patent application for a similar software design in May of 2002.
* Apparently, Tony Fadell is quite a character. He was once asked where he would be in life if he'd grown up before computers were invented. Fadell's response was "In jail."
* What was the first song played using iTunes, Apple's proprietary software? It was a house-music dance tune called Groovejet (If This Ain't Love).
* The first generation iPods had scroll wheels that physically rotated. Post 2003 iPods (third generation) have touch sensitive wheels. Fourth generation (2004) iPods have buttons integrated onto the wheel.
* The iPod's wheel technology can measure changes in position greater than 1/1,000th of an inch.

What Else Has Tony Fadell Done?
Tony Fadell was involved in the development of the Apple iPod (2001*), Philips Nino PDA (1997*), Philips Velo PDA (1995*), Sony MagicLink PDA (1991*), Motorola Envoy Wireless Communicator, and Fuse Systems.

* Indicates year development started.