iTunes and its alternatives... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

KnifeMissile · 10-23-2005, 02:40 AM

I recently got an iPodnano and, thus, needed some software to load songs onto it. So, I simply used the one recommended by the manufacturer... iTunes is not a bad program but the Windows version of it does have a couple of problems and the software, itself, lacks certain features that I need.

So, just a couple things about it. First, what do other people feel about this software? How does it compare to, say, WinAmp?

Secondly, where does iTunes store its song database? It's not obvious by casual inspection. Is it stored in some publically readable format, like XML or something? I would very much like to manipulate it, if only I knew where it was...

Lastly, is there a simply way to get one's songs off of the iPod? Just wondering...

Redlemon · 10-23-2005, 12:06 PM

I use iTunes. What doesn't it do for you? There might be something that you are missing.

There is no simple way to go from iPod to computer; Apple designed it that way. However, this iLounge.com article will tell you everything you need to know.

I wouldn't recommend directly modifying the song database. Again, there's probably a way to handle what you want to do through the iTunes interface.

trickyy · 10-23-2005, 12:18 PM

i also wish there was a better alternative. iTunes is okay, but the program is getting pretty big and i've never liked Quicktime. also, it's started renaming whatever i put on it. filenames have become FJEL.mp3, etc. and podcasting is a great feature, but (at least on 5.0) there is no resume function. has this been changed in 6? i don't feel like installing ipodder again.

getting songs off requires Show Hidden Files and sending the Microsoft search dog through the iPod for your desired album. the iPod file structure is so messed up you can't really find them on your own. anyway, after 3-10 minutes it finds all of the songs from an album. then all you have to do is rename each of them to what they were in the first place.

Loup · 10-24-2005, 09:20 AM

I've always used the Winamp plugin to transfer my songs from my laptop and my girlfriends pc. Never an issue. But since getting my Nano, I have no ways to put photos onto it without using iTunes.

10-23-2005, 02:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
KnifeMissile Location: Waterloo, Ontario	iTunes and its alternatives... I recently got an iPodnano and, thus, needed some software to load songs onto it. So, I simply used the one recommended by the manufacturer... iTunes is not a bad program but the Windows version of it does have a couple of problems and the software, itself, lacks certain features that I need. So, just a couple things about it. First, what do other people feel about this software? How does it compare to, say, WinAmp? Secondly, where does iTunes store its song database? It's not obvious by casual inspection. Is it stored in some publically readable format, like XML or something? I would very much like to manipulate it, if only I knew where it was... Lastly, is there a simply way to get one's songs off of the iPod? Just wondering...

10-23-2005, 12:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	I use iTunes. What doesn't it do for you? There might be something that you are missing. There is no simple way to go from iPod to computer; Apple designed it that way. However, this iLounge.com article will tell you everything you need to know. I wouldn't recommend directly modifying the song database. Again, there's probably a way to handle what you want to do through the iTunes interface. __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

10-24-2005, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
Loup Pup no More Location: Voted the Best	I've always used the Winamp plugin to transfer my songs from my laptop and my girlfriends pc. Never an issue. But since getting my Nano, I have no ways to put photos onto it without using iTunes. __________________ "If you cannot lift the load off another's back, do not walk away. Try to lighten it." ~ Frank Tyger

10-23-2005, 12:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
trickyy ►	i also wish there was a better alternative. iTunes is okay, but the program is getting pretty big and i've never liked Quicktime. also, it's started renaming whatever i put on it. filenames have become FJEL.mp3, etc. and podcasting is a great feature, but (at least on 5.0) there is no resume function. has this been changed in 6? i don't feel like installing ipodder again. getting songs off requires Show Hidden Files and sending the Microsoft search dog through the iPod for your desired album. the iPod file structure is so messed up you can't really find them on your own. anyway, after 3-10 minutes it finds all of the songs from an album. then all you have to do is rename each of them to what they were in the first place.