PRINTSave the music
Moving from iPod to iTunes
April 10, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
It’s a lesson for all to learn that boozing and computing should never be combined: “I spilled a glass of wine on my keyboard, and then it was completely dead,” MU student Caitlin Flynn laments. Along with her beverage, Flynn lost her entire iTunes library.
In such sticky situations, it’s frustrating that, in an effort to reduce piracy and peer-to-peer file sharing, an iPod is formatted to transfer files with just one computer. However, software that allows users to transfer music device-to-computer style is available.
Drew Findley, developer of the software program iPod Access, advises users to be cautious when choosing a program. He suggests considering how often the software is updated, whether music will be imported directly into iTunes and whether users have an opportunity to test the software before purchasing.
A legal note: Just because software is capable of enabling illegal activity doesn’t mean users have iPermission to commit iPiracy. Accordingly, those with good intentions, read forth as Vox decodes different iPod-to-computer software, all of which are equipped with the Softpedia 100 percent clean guarantee and will not harm any computers.
Podmaxx
Perks: In terms of extra features, this software is on some serious steroids. Users can synchronize Internet items such as weather updates and e-mails to their iPods every time they plug them in. Podmaxx also enables techies to create personal ringtones using audio files from iTunes and send them cost-free to their cell phones.
Pains: Sorry, apple-heads, no Macs allowed. Windows 2000, XP or Vista is required. Also, to the dismay of freeloaders everywhere, Podmaxx must be purchased and does not work with all iPod models.
Go get it: $29.99 after instant rebate, podmaxx.com
Senuti
Perks: All iPods are reported to work with the program. And downloading music is no longer a drag — with Senuti, transferring music is as easy as a click and drag.
Pains: Condolences to the PCed ’puters, Senuti is only compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
Go get it: Donations optional; Software and lifetime updates for $18,
fadingred.org/senuti/
iPod Access
Perks: iPod Access comes with a strong user support system with multiple blogs and forums that put users in contact with the product’s developer.
Pains: People who purchased iPod Access before Jan. 1, 2007, still have to pay for updated versions of the software.
Go get it: Free limited access; full-feature version $19.99, findleydesigns.com.
YamiPod
Perks: YamiPod runs directly from iPods and allows users to update your device from computers that do not have the software installed.
Pains: Yamipod does not support those of the tech-savvy persuasion: It is not compatible with iPhone.
Go get it: Donations optional,
yamipod.com
Lenogo
Perks: This software brand offers additional software for iPod users, including Lenogo Youtube/Google Video to iPod Transfer. Now, you can take that video of Star Wars Kid wherever you go.
Pains: This program’s price tag will cost you more than a glance under the couch cushions.
Go get it: $29.95, lenogo.com
