Choosing an iPod’s Language

The first time you turn an iPod on, you’ll immediately move to the Language selection screen that you use to choose the language in which your iPod will display information. To choose a language, slide a finger or thumb clockwise on the Scroll pad to move down the language list or counterclockwise to move up the list. When the language you want to use is highlighted, press the Select button to choose it. You will then move to the main menu. You only have to do this the first time you turn an iPod on or if you reset it.

Turning an iPod On

To turn an iPod on, press any button, the Scroll pad, or the Select button. You’ll see the Apple logo on the iPod’s screen, and after the iPod starts up, you’ll see the main menu.

Getting Ready to Play

In order to hear the music that is stored on your iPod, you must attach a sound output device to it. The most common one you might think of is the earbud headphones that were included in the package.
To use these, you connect the mini-jack on the earbud cable to the Headphones port located on the top of the iPod. When you do so, you’ll hear any sound coming from the iPod through the earbuds. Although you are likely to use earbuds or other headphones with an iPod, those are certainly not the only audio output devices through which you can play an iPod’s music. Following are some other devices you might want to use to play your iPod’s music:

• Powered speakers—You can connect a set of powered speakers to the Headphones port to play your iPod’s music on those speakers. For example, you can use any set of computer speakers to create a mini stereo system. If you connect a set of unamplified speakers, you aren’t likely to hear very much if anything. The iPod doesn’t put out enough power to drive a set of unpowered speakers. In order to hear the music that is stored on your iPod, you must attach a sound output device to it. The most common one you might think of is the earbud headphones that were included in the package. To use these, you connect the mini-jack on the earbud cable to the Headphones port located on the top of the iPod. When you do so, you’ll hear any sound coming from the iPod through the earbuds. On the top of the iPod, you’ll also see the iPod Remote port in which you connect a remote control. And, you’ll also see the Hold switch.
• FM Transmitter—You can connect an FM transmitter to the Headphones port to broadcast your iPod’s output over FM. You can then tune into your iPod’s music on an FM tuner, such as the one in your car or home stereo system.
• Home or Car Stereo—You can use various cables and connectors to connect the Headphones port to an input port on a home stereo receiver, a car stereo, or boom box to play your iPod’s music over one of these devices.

Connecting an iPod to a Computer with a Dock

If your iPod came with a Dock, you can connect the Dock to your computer instead of the iPod itself. When you want to transfer music to the iPod, you simply set it into the Dock. Using a Dock means that you don’t need to mess around with cables To use a Dock, connect the Dock connector end of the cable you use to connect the iPod to your computer into the Dock connector port on the Dock instead of the port on the iPod.

To connect the iPod to the computer, simply set it into the Dock. When the Dock can communicate with the iPod, you’ll hear a tone. Other than that, using an iPod in a Dock is just like using one connected to a computer by a cable. When you connect the Dock connector end of the cable into the Dock connector port on the Dock, make sure the icon on the cable faces up. If you try to insert the cable in upside down, you can damage the connector.

When you want to disconnect your iPod from the computer, lift it out of the Dock. (You might have to place one hand on the Dock to keep it from lifting up when you lift the iPod out.) Before you pull an iPod out of a Dock, make sure the “OK to disconnect” message appears on the iPod’s screen.

Configuring an iPod on Your Computer

The first time you connect an iPod to your computer, the iPod will turn on and immediately be mounted on your computer, iTunes will open, and the iPod Setup Assistant will open. Type a name for your iPod in the text box. You can use any name you’d like; this will be the name of your iPod when it is shown in the iTunes Source List. Check the Automatically update my iPod check box.

Then click Finish (Windows) or Done (Mac). iTunes will update the iPod and will transfer all the music in your iTunes Library onto the iPod—if it can. While music is being transferred, the iPod icon on the iTunes Source List will flash red. You’ll also see information about the transfer in the iTunes Information area at the top of the iTunes window. If you are playing music while you transfer music to an iPod, you will see information about the music you are playing rather than information about the transfer.

If all the music in your iTunes Library will fit on the iPod, the rocess will complete without any further action rom you. When this process is complete, you will ear a “whoosh” sound and you’ll see the “iPod pdate is complete” message in the information rea at the top of the iTunes window. The “OK to isconnect” message will also be displayed on the Pod’s screen. When you see these messages, you an disconnect your iPod from your computer. queeze the buttons on each side of the Dock onnector end of the cable and remove the cable rom the iPod; the iPod will be ready to use. You an leave the cable plugged into your computer f you want to.

If there is more music in your iTunes Library than can fit on the iPod, you will see a message telling you that the iPod doesn’t have enough room for all your music (see Figure 2.9). In this case, iTunes will create a playlist of music that will fit on the iPod and then transfer this music to your iPod. This is fine for now; in later chapters, you’ll learn how to choose which music is transferred onto your iPod. Click OK to close the message window.

iTunes will move the playlist it created (whose ame will be the name of your iPod plus the word Selection”) onto your iPod. When this process is omplete, you will hear a “whoosh” sound and u’ll see the “iPod update is complete” message in the information area at the top of the iTunes window.

The “OK to disconnect” message will also be isplayed on the iPod’s screen. When you see these essages, you can disconnect your iPod from your omputer. Squeeze the buttons on each side of the ock connector end of the cable and remove the able from the iPod; the iPod will be ready to use.

You can leave the cable plugged into your computer if you want to.

Connecting an iPod to a Macintosh Computer

All Macintoshes produced in the past several ears have at least one six-pin FireWire port. You an use the FireWire cable included with your Pod to connect it to your Mac. Connect the Dock nnector end of the cable to Dock connector port on the iPod. Then plug the FireWire end of the cable into a FireWire port on your Mac.

Many Macs also support USB 2, but because the iPod will charge when you use a six-pin FireWire cable to connect it to your Mac, you should use FireWire instead of USB 2. However, if you don’t have an available FireWire port, you can use the USB 2 cable included with an iPod mini or the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 cable to connect an iPod to your Mac.

American Idols can be downloaded in iTunes

Starting Monday, a day without Idol on television universe, the eager fans can preorder the newly minted Top 24's vocal performance with iTunes.

The sale will go down to iTunes Idol new store at Monday.

"We believe that the American Idol viewers are going to love the opportunity to buy and download iTunes Idol performance," Eddy Cue, Apple iTunes, which oversees the iTunes.

Chikezie is one of the Idol Top 24, as was announced last week. He will take the stage with 11 other men. The 12 women earn their turns on the microphone Wednesday.

The iTunes download, on the other hand, has probably begun. The word probably comes into play because, unlike the rest of iTunes, which shows and songs are sorted by popularity, the site is not releasing any information on sales.

iPod might save US economy

The iPod is literally a great portable media player, it is also a style accessory and icon style. The stylish iPod could emerge as an unlikely savior of the American economy.
With approximately $ 60 billion is expected to pour into shopping malls in June and July, Americans rush to pass tax breaks provided to them by Washington, which are intended to revive the ailing economy.

George W. Bush and Henry Paulson, has unveiled a series of proposed tax abatements worth about $ 150bn.

The initiative was designed to stimulate consumer demand - a major engine of American growth - and to help provide the largest in the world economy away from the brink of a recession.

iSol, the green iPod charger

Green is the trend nowadays, renewable and cheap energy something that become really interesting. With iSol you can tap the largest inexhaustible energy available to us, the sun itself.

Not only that, this device can also recharge wide array of gadgets. The compact size really great for any travelers who go outdoors a lot. However 6-8 hours needed for full recharge may seem a bit slow for many people.

Specs:
Size: 168×108x28mm
Power Output: 1W
Voltage: 7-8V
Charging Current (Peak): 110mA
Can be used for all iPod models (USB ports)
6-8 hours needed to fully recharge
Built in 5 AAA battery charger (batteries included)
plug and play setup
Resilient design

Using Four-Pin FireWire to Connect an iPod to a Windows Computer

To use four-pin FireWire, you will need to have a four-pin to six-pin FireWire adapter (this is included with all iPods except the mini). Connect this adapter to the FireWire end of the iPod’s FireWire cable. Next, connect the Dock connector end to the Dock connector port on the iPod. Then, plug the fourpin end of the adapter into your computer. The iPod will immediately be mounted on your computer.

Using USB 2 to Connect an iPod to a Windows Computer

If your computer supports USB 2, use the USB 2 cable included with an iPod mini or the accessory FireWire/USB 2 cable you purchased to connect an iPod to the computer. Use a USB 2 port that is on the computer itself rather than one that is on a keyboard, monitor, or other peripheral.

To use the USB 2 cable included with the iPod mini, plug the Dock connector end into the Dock connector port on the iPod and the USB 2 end into the USB port on your computer. The iPod will immediately be mounted on your computer. Make sure you insert the Dock connector end of the cable into the iPod’s Dock connector port so that the icon on the connector is facing toward the front face of the iPod.

If you attempt to force the connector in upside down, you can damage your iPod. To use the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 cable, connect the Dock connector end to the Dock connector port on the iPod (this cable is not supported on a iPod mini). Then, connect the USB 2 cable to a USB port on your computer.

Connect the FireWire end to the iPod power adapter and then plug the power adapter into a power outlet. The iPod will immediately be mounted on your computer

Using Six-Pin FireWire to Connect an iPod to a Windows Computer

If your computer has a six-pin FireWire port, use the six-pin FireWire cable included with your iPod. Connect the Dock connector end to the Dock connector port on the iPod and the FireWire end to the FireWire port on your computer. The iPod will immediately be mounted on your computer.

How to correctly assess your windows computer for an iPod?

The first step to deciding which connection type to use is to determine which types are supported by your computer. There are a couple of ways you can do this.
Look at your computer to see which ports it includes. If it has at least one six-pin FireWire port available, you don’t need to do anything else because this is the method you should use.

Because a six-pin FireWire connection also charges the iPod when it is connected to your computer, this is the best option. If your computer doesn’t support six-pin FireWire, consider adding a FireWire PCI card. These are relatively inexpensive at around $40 and require only a few minutes to install.

If you don’t see a six-pin FireWire connector, locate the USB ports on your computer. Unfortunately, you can’t tell by observation whether a USB port supports USB 2 or USB 1 because the ports are identical in appearance. Check the documentation that came with your computer to determine if it supports USB 2. If you can’t find that information, contact your computer’s manufacturer. If your computer does support USB 2, you are in good shape.

If your computer doesn’t have a six-pin FireWire connector and doesn’t support USB 2, look for a four-pin FireWire port. If it has one, you might be able to use a six-pin to four-pin FireWire adapter to connect your iPod to your computer. If your computer doesn’t have any FireWire ports and does not support USB 2, you’ll have to add a PCI FireWire or USB 2 card to your computer before you can connect an iPod to it.
To use an iPod with a Windows computer, you must also be running Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP Home or Professional.

Connecting an iPod to a Windows Computer

Connecting an iPod to a Windows computer requires that you decide on the type of connection you will be using. The following three options are possible:
■ Six-pin FireWire—If your computer includes a six-pin FireWire port, you can use that to connect it to the iPod. This has the advantage of also charging the iPod at the same time.
■ USB 2—If you have a computer that supports USB 2, you can use USB 2 to connect your iPod to the computer. USB 2 is slightly faster than FireWire, but your iPod won’t also charge when it is connected to your computer in this way. iPod minis include the cable you need to connect an iPod to a USB 2 port.
For other models, you will need to purchase the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 cable. This cable is actually two cables linked to a single iPod Dock Connector Port connector. You can connect the USB 2 cable to your computer and the FireWire connector to the iPod’s power adapter. This enables you to charge the iPod while it is also connected to your computer. You can purchase the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 cable at the Apple Store (http://store.apple.com/).
■ Four-pin FireWire—If your computer includes a four-pin FireWire connector, you can use that to connect some models of the iPod by using the included six-pin to four-pin adapter. This method is not as desirable as the other two because it doesn’t charge the iPod at the same time like six-pin FireWire does, and it is slightly slower than USB 2. You should use this option only if one of the others isn’t available to you.

Connecting and Configuring an iPod on Your Computer

In order to load music onto an iPod, you must connect the iPod to your computer so that the music files can be moved from your iTunes Library onto the iPod.
To do this, you connect one of the cables supplied with your iPod to your computer. All iPod cables have the Dock connector connection on one end. You connect this to the iPod’s Dock connector port located on the bottom of the iPod. How you connect an iPod depends on the type of connections your computer has and the specific iPod model you have. The three types of connectors you use to connect iPods to computers are six-pin FireWire (all Macintoshes), USB 2, and four-pin FireWire

Installing the iPod’s Software on a Macintosh

You can install the iPod’s software on a Macintosh using the following steps:

1. Insert the iPod or iPod mini CD in your Mac. It will be mounted.
2. Using the Finder, open the installation CD so you can see its folders.
3. Open the iPod Installer folder.
4. If you are installing software for an iPod, open the iPod installer package. If you are installing software for an iPod mini, open the iPod mini installer package.
5. Allow the installer to check for the appropriate software by clicking OK. The install window will appear.
6. Click Continue. The installer will start and you will see the next screen in the process.
7. Read the information on each screen that appears and click Continue to move to the next screen.
8. When you get to the license agreement page, click Agree. You’ll see the Select a Destination screen.
9. Choose the destination on which you want to install the iPod software. Typically, you should install the software on your active start-up drive. When you select a drive, it will be marked with a green arrow to show you the drive you have selected. In the lower part of the screen, you will see information about the drive on which you have elected to install the software.
10. Click Continue.
11. If prompted to do so, authenticate yourself as an administrator and click OK. The installer will run. When the process is complete, you will see the installation complete screen.
12. Click Close. The installer will quit. The iPod Updater application will launch. To enable you to update the iPod’s software, you will need to connect the iPod to your computer. You’ll learn how to do that in the next section.
13. For now, quit the iPod Update by choosing iPod Updater, Quit. You also need to have iTunes installed on your computer. Because you are using a Mac and I have assumed that you are running Mac OS X, you probably already have a copy installed on your computer. You should update the version you have installed to make sure you are using the most current version of the application.
    

Installing the iPod’s Software on a Windows PC (Part 1)

If you have installed even one application from a CD, you won’t have any trouble with the iPod CD, as the following steps will confirm:

1. Insert the Installation CD in your computer. The disc will be mounted on your computer, the software will begin to run, and the Choose Setup Language dialog box will appear.
2. Choose the language you want to use on the drop-down list and click OK. Because I am linguistically challenged and can only read English, that is the language I use throughout this book. They say music is the universal language (I think it is math myself) and so iTunes can use many different languages. You can choose the language that works best for you. After you click OK, the InstallShield Wizard window will appear, and you can watch the initial installation process. When that is complete, you will see the iPod for Windows dialog box or the iPod mini for Windows dialog box.
3. Click Install. The iPod Serial Number dialog box will appear.
4. Enter your iPod’s serial number, which can be found on the back of your iPod, and click Next. You will see the Select Country or Region dialog box.
5. Select the country or region that is most applicable to you and click Next. You will see the Registration Information dialog box.
6. Complete your registration information. Most of it is optional; however, you do have to provide at least a name and an email address. When you are done, click Next. You will see the second screen in the registration process.
7. Complete the fields about where you will use the iPod and what best describes what you do, if you’d like to. These are both optional. (Speaking of which, given how easily you can carry an iPod around with you, which is the whole point, how much sense does a question about where you will use it make?)
8. If you want to receive email from Apple, click the Yes radio button, or click No if you don’t want to receive email.
9. Click Next. You will see the iPod configuration screen. This screen asks you to choose whether or not you want to configure your iPod now. In order to configure your iPod, it must be connected to your computer.
10. 10. Click Cancel to skip the iPod configuration step for now (you’ll learn how to do this later in this chapter). The installer will do its work, and you can watch its progress in the resulting windows. When the process is complete, you will see the InstallShield Wizard for iTunes window.
11. Read the information in the installer window and click Next.
12. If you have a lot of time and patience, read the license agreement; when you are done (if you are like me, you will realize it is incomprehensible and will just assume you aren’t giving away your first born), click Yes.
13. In the resulting Information window, you can read information about iTunes, such as what it can do and what you need to install it. When you are done reading, click Next. You’ll see the iTunes for Windows Setup Type dialog box.
14. Check the following options to make them active or uncheck them to make them inactive: Install desktop shortcuts—This option places a shortcut to iTunes on your desktop. Unless you don’t like desktop shortcuts for some reason, you should usually leave this option checked.
15. Use iTunes as the default player for audio files—This option causes iTunes to be used to play most audio files that you will access on the Internet, CDs, and so on. If you prefer to use another application, uncheck this check box. However, I recommend that you leave it checked; you can always change the default application to be something else after you have become comfortable with iTunes.
16. Use QuickTime as the default player for media files—If you choose this option, the QuickTime Player application will be used when you view video or other multimedia content. Just like the previous option, if you prefer to use a different application, uncheck this check box.
17. Click Next. You’ll see the Choose Destination Location dialog box.
18. If you don’t want to accept the default installation location (which is C:\Program Files\iTunes\), click the Browse button and choose the location you do want to use. Then click Next. You’ll see a window advertising the iPod.
19. Click Next. As the installer starts to work, you will see the Setup Status window. This window provides you with information about the installation process. When the process is complete, you will see the Installation Successful window.
20. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the installation process. When your computer restarts, iTunes will be ready for you and your iPod.

Charging the iPod’s Battery

Like all portable electronic devices, the iPod has an internal battery. Before you start using an iPod, you should charge its battery.
To charge an iPod using the power adapter, connect the FireWire to iPod Dock connector cable to the power adapter and to the iPod. Then plug the power adapter into a power outlet.

While the iPod is charging, a battery icon will appear on its display and the word “Charging” will appear at the top of the screen. According to Apple, the iPod’s battery is charged to the 80% level in one hour and fully charged in four hours. When the iPod is fully charged, the display will contain a “full” battery icon and the status message will be “Charged.” Unplug the power adapter and then disconnect the cable from the power adapter and from the iPod.

Exploring the iPod’s Box

The iPod is so cool that even its box is stylish! In this section, you’ll learn about the items included in that stylish box and how and where you use them. What you get with an iPod depends on the type and model of iPod you purchased. The following list tells you what comes with each type of iPod:

• An iPod or iPod mini—You probably didn’t need this item listed or explained, but I like to be thorough! Installation CD—This CD contains the iTunes installer you will use to install the iPod’s companion software on your computer.
• Information manuals—These include the Quick Reference and the User’s Guide. (Because you have this book already, you might not find these to be very useful.)
• Power Adapter—You use this to charge an iPod’s battery.
• FireWire to Dock connector port cable (iPod only)—You use this cable to connect the iPod’s Dock connector port (or the Dock port on a Dock) to a FireWire port on your computer. You can also use it to connect the FireWire port on the power adapter to the iPod’s Dock port.
• USB 2.0 to Dock Connector Port cable (iPod mini only)—You use this cable to connect the iPod mini’s Dock connector port to a USB 2 port on your computer.
• Earbud earphones—You use these to listen to the iPod’s output.
• Six-pin to Four-pin FireWire adapter (iPod only)—This adapter is used when the computer to which you are connecting an iPod uses a four-pin FireWire port.
• Dock Port covers (iPod only)—These plastic inserts can be placed in an iPod’s Dock port to prevent it from being damaged by dirt or other debris.
• Dock (some iPod models)—Currently included with the 20GB and 40GB models, the Dock is a base unit into which you can place the iPod to connect it to your computer. The Dock eliminates the need to mess around with cables each time you connect your iPod to your computer.
• iPod Remote (some iPod models)—This remote is connected inline with the earbuds and enables you to control the iPod from its control panel. It is currently included with the 20GB and 40GB models.
• Case (some models of the iPod)—Some models include a carrying case with a belt clip.
• Belt clip (iPod mini only)—You can insert your iPod mini into this clip and then clip the clip to a belt to carry the iPod mini with you.

To sum it all

The iPod just might be the neatest gadget ever. After you have tried one, you will likely find it to be indispensable, and you might wonder how you ever got along without it. Before we jump into configuring and using an iPod, consider the following two points:

• An iPod enables you to take all your music with you and listen to it anytime, anywhere.
• The iPod is actually a mini computer and includes a hard drive, an operating system, and other computer components.
• There are two types of iPods in production: iPods and iPod minis.
• No matter which iPod you have, you’ll be amazed at all the amazing things it can do, from basic listening to being your own personal portable hard drive.
• The original iPod worked only with Macintosh computers, but soon Apple realized that there was no reason to keep Windows users out in the cold. Current iPod models work just as well for both platforms. Whether you use a Windows computer, a Mac, or both, your iPod will work great.

What You Can Do with an iPod?

The iPod is definitely a great music player, but it is much more than that, as you will learn throughout this part of the book. For now, here are some of the great things you can do with an iPod:

• Take your entire music collection with you wherever you go.
• Play your music in many different ways, such as by album, artist, genre, song, playlist, and so on.
• Eliminate the need to carry CDs with you anywhere; using an adapter or an FM transmitter, your iPod can provide music in your home, car, or any other place you happen to be.
• View your calendar.
• Access contact information for your favorite people and companies for quick and easy reference.
• Keep track of the time and date.
• Listen to your favorite audio book.
• Have a portable hard drive for transferring information between computers or for backing up your files.
• Record sound.
• Store pictures from a digital camera.

The One That Started It All: The Original iPod

The first generation of iPod offered many of the same features as its successors, although it had a smaller hard drive (the first iPod included a 5GB drive) and was larger and heavier than later generations. It was also compatible only with Macintosh computers, and its software was a bit more limited, too. Although it is no longer being produced, this is the model that started it all, and for that we owe it a debt of gratitude (if one can owe anything to a device, that is).

Because the original iPod hasn’t been produced for a long time, it seems unlikely you will be using this model while you are reading this book (because the book assumes you are relatively new to the iPod world). To save some pages, I won’t be covering the original iPod elsewhere in this book. Much of the information about iPods and iPod minis is also applicable to the original iPod, but there are some differences in its controls and software.

Small Is Beautiful: The iPod Mini

As if the iPod isn’t small enough, Apple introduced an even smaller iPod, known as the iPod mini. These smaller iPods offer similar features to their bigger cousins and include a 4GB hard drive rated at 1,000 songs. Unlike the iPod, which comes only in its elegant white and silver finish, the iPod mini comes in five colors. The iPod mini also has different controls than the iPod, but they work in a similar way.

So What Is an iPod Anyway?

The iPod is a small digital device that includes a hard drive (just like the one in your computer, only smaller), an operating system, a processor and other computer components, as well as an LCD screen, controls, and other system elements needed to deliver its amazing functionality. It also includes a rechargeable lithium battery to give you plenty of listening time, a Headphones port to which you attach audio devices (including headphones, powered speakers, and so on), and the Dock connector port to enable you to move music from a computer onto the iPod and recharge its battery.

The iPod’s software enables you to manage and play digital audio files. You can also use its software to set a variety of preferences, in addition to using the iPod’s other built-in tools.

Even with all this, iPods are quite small. The largest iPod is only 2.4 inches wide, 4.1 inches tall, .73 inches thick, and weighs a mere 6.2 ounces. This is roughly the size of a deck of playing cards. The smallest model, the iPod mini, comes in at a svelte 2 inches wide, 3.6 inches tall, .5 inches thick, and a mere 3.6 ounces. This is about the size of a deck of playing cards cut in half!

The Apple iPod: A Lot of Hype or Really Hip?

So, what’s the iPod all about?
It’s about being able to take your entire music collection with you and listen to anything you want when you want to listen to it. And, using iPod’s companion iTunes software, you can create and carry customized collections of your music to make getting to the specific music you want to hear even easier and more fun. The way your music sounds on an iPod is just amazing, too.

You definitely don’t have to compromise music quality for portability. With the iPod, you get the best of both. If you have never heard music on an iPod before, prepare to be amazed. That’s the bottom line, but it isn’t the whole story. With the iPod, you can do much more, as you will learn through the rest of this part of this book. And because of the iPod’s stylish design and ease of use, you will likely want to take it with you wherever you go.