Romance Audiobooks discussion
General Audio & Off Topic
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Getting a new Ipod Classic
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Maggie,You may pick up some tips from the "Tagging Quirks" thread here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...
Personally, I find iTunes pretty user-friendly but it does help to decide in advance how you want to maintain your files so you can be consistent with it from the start.
At a minimum, I suggest analyzing how big your audio file (and maybe video too if you have compatible files or plan to view video on your iPod) library is to determine if you want iTunes to organize, store, and copy your media files to the default location or specify a different location (and/or choose not to copy files into the iTunes folder). I find it easier to let iTunes organize my files but I changed the default iTunes library location to a network drive.
You may want to have separate libraries for audiobooks and music. I know Vic does that and I can see definite advantages.
A lot of how you use iTunes will be personal preference but I am sure others will chime in with ideas and answer any questions you may have as you start using iTunes.
Good choice on the iPod Classic IMHO! "My Precious" is what I call my 160 GB iPod. Is it a bit heavy - yeah and I don't mind. I have all my all time favorite audiobooks and many GB of music playlists and albums and STILL have room left over! I carry it with me EVERYWHERE whether I think I'll listen or not. You never know when you're stuck in a 2.5 hour traffic jam or at a grocery store with just 1 lane open.Additional suggestions since the tagging thread that Kelli referenced: Whether you set up different libraries per books/music or just 1... create a playlist or one for books and one for music that is ESSENTIAL to be on your classic at all times. This will be a static playlist in iTunes (if you go that way) and you just add all your keeper audiobooks and keeper music on these. As you add books/music you always want on your classic, add to these essential playlists. Because there have been times that I've had to reset my iPod. It's not a big deal and not scary but it is like wiping your hard drive. If you have these playlists already set up and you have to reset your iPod, it's pretty easy to copy everything from the ESSENTIAL playlists to the iPod and walk away while it updates. Then you only have to look for new books or music you have on your iPod that you don't think is quite "essential." This will save you LOTS of time.
... yes, I recently had to reset iPod but it's back up and happy and so am I now that I have my ESSENTIALS nailed down!
Feel free to ask questions here whether you go with iTunes or another program. We do have plenty of iTunes users here and one of us may be familiar with any other program you may be considering.
Gratz on the new toy - I don't think you'll be disappointed. My current classic is about 1.5 years old. Consider getting a good case for yours because that's what killed my last one after multiple drops. I'm using this one by Speck but I see it's now unavailable. You may consider this one but it doesn't have a belt clip. I really love the heavy duty rubber case!
My iTunes separates them into Audiobooks pretty much automatically (I buy the majority of mine through audible), if I rip audio cd's then I just have to tell it they're audiobooks instead of music.So, my tips for itunes:
- Keep all your music/audio media in the default directory. If something happens and you can't access the directory that you set up (e.g. on a external hard-drive), iTunes will default to that directory anyway and you end up with media files all over the place without realising it.
- Use cover art. It makes it so much easy to recognise the book. If itunes can't find the cover art automatically then just copy the cover from goodreads and paste it into the "get info" box.
- Check out podcasts - they're free radio type programs!!!!
- Accessory advice: don't buy a usb power charger instead put your money into speakers designed to take iPods. Your iPod will charge on the speaker plus you've just turned your iPod into your stereo. Oh, and a car adaptor for your radio is a must for long drives. Although I am paranoid about having a crash and the rescue workers arriving at a particularly interesting moment in the book :)
Have you already ordered? Because in all honesty, if you haven't already ordered your classic - consider looking at the iPod Touch. I use mine as an ebook reader as well as audiobook device. And you can buy audible books straight on the device provided you've got wi-fi connection. Although it's tempting to go for the bigger capacity, you don't necessarily need 160GB. I've got 64 and on it I have 64 audiobooks, 1000+ songs, some podcasts, uni lectures, about 50 ebooks, a couple of tv shows and some games and I've still got space to spare.
The classic is still an excellent choice but just something to consider...
Although I am paranoid about having a crash and the rescue workers arriving at a particularly interesting moment in the book :)I burst out laughing at this one Tania! LOL
Maggie I love my Classic for the reasons Vic mentions, I must have everything with me at all times! And my iPod touch for those Tania mentions. For years I used Creative products but when I made the switch to iPods and iTunes I found it fairly intuitive.
That being said I've helped my sister and some others that did not find it as intuitive by making some step by step picture tutorials, with basic setting and tagging tips for iTunes audiobook users. I'd be happy to share if you feel the need even after all the excellent advice that's already been given.
The old adage, "pictures are worth a thousand words", is very true for me when I'm trying to learn something new.
"Oh, and a car adaptor for your radio is a must for long drives. Although I am paranoid about having a crash and the rescue workers arriving at a particularly interesting moment in the book :)"This actually happened to me. Some jack*ss rear-ended me. My first thought after he smashed my car and I realized I was still alive was "quick unplug the Ipod!"
BarkLessWagMore wrote: ""This actually happened to me. Some jack*ss rear-ended me. My first thought after he smashed my car and I realized I was still alive was "quick unplug the Ipod!" "
It wouldn't be half as embarassing if I didn't know half of the rescue workers where I live. And half of them know my MUM! I may be in my thirties but I still don't won't them telling my Mum I got into a crash cause I was listening to a sex scene whilst driving...
The thing is I've never actually used Itunes or anything so any pointers are appreciated. I'll be getting it hopefully on Saturday but possibly early next week it all depends when Amazon decides to send it. I'm looking forward to it but honestly, I'm feeling a little intimidated by the "new system".