Using an iPod with More Than One Computer

Because the iPod is so very portable, you might use it with more than one computer. And because iTunes is free, there is no reason you can’t install it on every computer you use. Using an iPod with more than one computer only presents one minor complication: When you configure an iPod to be automatically updated, you link it to the iTunes Library on the machine you configured the update on. When you connect the iPod to another machine that also has automatic updating set, you will see a warning prompt that explains that the iPod is linked to another iTunes Library If you click Yes in this prompt, the music currently on the iPod will be replaced by the music stored on the computer to which the iPod is connected and the link will be changed to the current iTunes Library.

If you don’t want to replace the iPod’s music, click No.
Because you can link the iPod to only one computer at a time, you might want to use the iPod to move music from the “nonlinked” computer to the one that is linked with your iPod. If you have music on one computer that you want to store in the Library on another computer, do the following steps:

1. Mount the iPod as a disk on the computer that has the music you want to move to another computer.
2. Create a folder on the iPod called “Music to Move” or something similar.
3. Copy the music you want to move into the folder you created in step 2.
4. Connect the iPod to the computer to which it is linked.
5. Copy the music files from the iPod onto the computer.
6. Add the files you copied to the iTunes Library on that computer. (The next time you update the iPod from this computer, the music files you added to the Library will be placed in the iPod’s music collection if they meet the update’s criteria.)
7. Delete the music files you copied onto the iPod from the iPod.

PocketDock by Sendstation

This simple device enables you to use any standard six-pin FireWire cable with any
iPod with a Dock connector
Web Site: www.drbott.com
List Price: $18.95
Pros: Comes in handy when you don’t have the cable you need with a Dock connector or if you have accessories designed for the Original iPod; works with the iPod and iPod mini.
Cons: None.

iPod Dock and iPod mini Dock by Apple Computer

Included with some iPod models but also available separately, Docks take the hassle out of dealing with cables when you connect your iPod or iPod mini to a computer. You connect the Dock to the cable instead of your iPod. When you want to connect your iPod to your computer, you simply drop it in the Dock. The connection is made more easily and quickly than using a cable alone. Docks also make a great way to store and display your iPod, not to mention making it possible to route the cables so you can keep them out of sight.
Docks also include a Line Out port that you can use to send the iPod’s output to any powered audio device, such as powered speakers, the amplifier for your home stereo, and so on. I highly recommend that you get at least one Dock if you don’t have one already. The convenience is well worth the cost; the added Line Out port is very useful, too. If you use your iPod with more than one computer, consider adding a Dock to each computer you use regularly.

Web Site: www.apple.com
List Price: $39 (iPod or iPod mini)
Pros: Makes connecting your iPod or iPod mini to a computer much easier and faster; enables you to keep the cable out of the way; provides a better way to store and display your iPod.
Cons: It can be more difficult than it should be to place an iPod in the Dock correctly, especially with the iPod mini Dock.