so i want to make it so i manually update my songs in itunes/ipod, not automatic. i have downloaded the most recent update for itunes. I know that I have to go to edit>preferences>ipod, etc etc, but when I do that, it says no ipod connected (in the ipod tab under preferences). Obviously, that's because my ipod isn't connected. I'm afraid that if I connect my ipod (so that I can change this setting), itunes will erase everything from my ipod (isn't the default for itunes to auto update?). I took everything out of the library so that I could free up disc space.

help me, you boners.

oh, i didn't even ask my question.

if I hook up my ipod, is everything going to be erased?

i didn't mean to call you boners. now will you help?

iPod Lounge FAQs

Q: How do I stop the iPod from auto sync'ing when connected to iTunes? If I auto-sync, I'll lose some of the music that's only on my iPod!


A: While connecting the iPod to the computer, hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys in Windows (CMD + Option keys on a Mac). This will stop the iPod from auto sync'ing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 3 and 25 seconds depending on your computer.

Then you can right click on the iPod icon in iTunes' source column and select iPod Options, then check the box that says "Manually manage songs and playlists". You can now manage your library without losing any songs on the iPod.

thank you.

Now I have a question. I'm about to take a couple of long road trips of 4.5 hrs and 8 hrs. (one-way) respectively.

I'm going to buy an FM Transmitter for my iPod Mini. I know Griffin makes the iTrip, but it's apparently a pain to use because it's a little more difficult to dial through stations when a signal gets stronger and therefore screwing up a perfectly good road trip with bad sound quality.
I know that Belkin makes a TuneCastII that allows you to dial through stations on the device itself.
Does anyone have experience with FM Transmitters for iPod Mini's?

i have used my friend's Belkin one and it worked just fine. we used it on a drive from chicago to bloomington, IN and back, so it got both the big city and middle of nowhere treatment. it has like 5 or 6 different frequencies that you can choose from. so, if the one that you've had it on starts to cut out, you have a handful of other frequencies to choose from. And we never had an instance where no frequency didn't work (work meaning without any static).

I have that one. It has four presets so it's no big deal to switch over if you start to get interference.

I have this Macally FM transmitter. It's okay. Seems fairly strong most of the time, but does get interrupted by interference in high-radio traffic areas. I think I've seen reviews saying this is one of the stronger ones around, actually. I will say this: before committing to it, be sure you check out the area you'll be putting it. Make sure there's several clear inches around the outlet in your car, as this thing isn't very flexible and may get in the way of things in your car like, say, the shifter, as happens in my wife's 2003 Accord.

i got the Monster Digital FM Transmitter & Charger for like $40 or so and have nothing but nice things to say about it. I used to have one with 4 presets and it was a pain in the ass every time i got near a city larger than Wilmington. Also, this one charges as it plays, which is also nice.

It charges the iPod, or it charges the FM Transmitter?

this one's my favorite too. i had a belkin that had an entire dial to choose from but the display broke so you had to kind of wing it, and it didn't charge anything.

the 'pod

Monster makes a pricey (what else with Monster?) but dependable FM transmitter called the RadioPlay 200 - retails at Radio Shack for $50. Never heard interference on it - not with 8 frequencies to choose from.

Now what I'd like to know is: how do you eliminate gaps between songs on an iPod?

there's a feature somewhere in itunes, because all my shit overlaps. it gets kind of annoying sometimes.

My Griffin iTrip works great, but it can be a pain in the ass to navigate back into the iTrip playlist in order to switch the frequency it broadcasts from. If I were to buy a new one, I would probably buy one that a) displays the frequency it is broadcasting and b) allows you to change that broadcasting frequency without stopping the music you are playing.

i wouldn't be able to help you on this one SINCE MY I-POD DELETED EVERYTHING anyway. i'm so fuckin pissed, i spent my saturday afternoon at the apple store trying to figure out wtf is wrong w/my ipod... because when i connect to my computer, it shows all my music, but on my ipod nothing shows up. so basically i have to restore it, aka it'll delete everything if i don't back it up.

and i just got this piece of shit 3 weeks ago. i'm so furiated.

This is the exact reason I'll be buying the Belkin or Monster. Monster sounds really appealing due to the attached charger.

I have an irock. It sucks. If you want the best sound quality you should go old school and get a tape that you can plug in. Of course you may not have a tape palyer in your car.

my sound quality with the iTrip is great, actually - it's just the interface which sucks.

That's why you never get 1G anything with apple...you sprung for an iphoto even though they haven't had time to work out the kinks...

That's why I opted to get a 20G now, and will upgrade to something bigger in a year or so...

I'm strongly considering the Monster FM Transmitter Cotton and Chase have.
Guys, where'd you get yours? On-line/Radio Shack?

Oh, but will it work with the iPod Mini?

Bump for a still pending question of "Oh, but will it work with the iPod Mini?"

Is that Mini pink sissy boy? I can't wait to clown you tonight.

I have the iTrip. Its ok, but I wish I had known about that monster dealy if its only 50 bucks....

Oh well. See you this evening Stewie; Drive careful brother.

by the way, this does indeed work, thank god