Academic Technology Center
Teaching with Technology Collaboratory

Adding Content to the iPod

Note

In order to add content to the iPod, you will need to install Apple's iTunes software on your computer. This was included with the iPod kit you checked out from the ATC. If you do not have the software or are using a personally-owned iPod, you can obtain the latest version of iTunes from the Apple website.

Adding Audio Files

  1. On a PC, click on the Start menu and select All Programs > iTunes > iTunes . (Mac users should run iTunes from their Hard drive > Applications folder > iTunes folder.)
  2. Connect an iPod to your PC using the iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 cable as pictured below.
  3. The iPod should appear as a Device in iTunes.

  4. Click the iPod name to expand its subfolders. By default, Music, Movies, and TV Shows will be displayed.
  5. Locate the folder containing the audio files on your computer that you want to transfer to the iPod.

Note

The iPod supports the following audio formats:

  1. Drag and drop your audio files into the Music folder or a playlist, listed under the iPod device in iTunes.

Tip

Organize your audio files by creating playlists. To do this, right-click the iPod device name in iTunes and select New Playlist.

  1. When you are finished, right-click the iPod device name in iTunes and select Eject. It is now safe to unplug the iPod from the USB cable and play the audio files.

Note

If you are adding a WMA (Windows Media Audio) file, you must first drag-and-drop it in your iTunes Library and then drag the file from your Library into your iPod device. iTunes will automatically convert the file to an iPod-compatible format.

Adding Video Files

  1. Follow steps 1-3 in the above section to run iTunes and connect an iPod.
  2. Locate the folder containing the video files on your computer that you want to transfer to the iPod.

Note

The iPod supports the following video formats:

  1. Drag and drop your video files into the Movies folder, listed under the iPod device in iTunes.
  2. When you are finished, right-click the iPod device name in iTunes and select Eject. It is now safe to unplug the iPod from the USB cable and play the video files.

Adding Images

Note

The iPod supports the following image formats:

  1. Follow Steps 1-3 in the Adding Audio Files section to connect your iPod to your computer.
  2. Click the name of the iPod under the listed Devices in iTunes. In the main frame of iTunes, information about the iPod should display.
  3. Click the Photos tab.
  4. Check the box next to Sync photos from: and click to expand the drop-down menu.
  5. Locate the folder containing the image files you would like to add to the iPod by selecting Choose Folder...

    6. Tip

    iTunes will load all the images in the particular folder onto the iPod. If you only want to upload specific images, it is recommended that you create a new folder on your computer and copy the only the image files you need into this folder.

  6. If you have more than one folder on your computer containing images, repeat these steps.
  7. When you are finished, click the Apply button in the lower right-hand corner of iTunes. Your photos will now load onto the iPod

    8. Tip

    iTunes will shrink the files down to fit the 320x240 pixel iPod screen. If you plan to move these images to another computer, click the box next to Include full-resolution photos before you click the Apply button.

  8. When you are finished, right-click the iPod device name in iTunes and select Eject. It is now safe to unplug the iPod from the USB cable and view the image files.

Using the iPod as a Storage Device

Like a USB key or portable file transfer device, an iPod can be used to transfer files from one computer to another.

  1. Check to make sure the iPod is enabled for disc use by running iTunes.
  2. Click the iPod name under Devices.
  3. From the Summary tab, verify that the box next to Enable Disc Use is checked.
  4. If the box is not checked, be sure to check it and then exit iTunes.
  5. On a PC, open up My Computer.. You should see the iPod listed as a disc drive. On a Mac, the iPod should show up as a device on your desktop.
  6. Click the iPod name. It should open to reveal folders.
  7. Create new folders and organize your content onto the iPod as you would on your computer.

    8. Caution

    Only supported media files (listed above in the audio, video, and image sections) will be viewable/playable from the iPod. If the files are not supported by the iPod, they will still be accessible when you connect the iPod to another computer, but they will not be accessible from the iPod itself. You will need to repeat Steps 1-6 in this section to view/transfer the files from/to another computer.

  8. When you are finished, go back to My Computer and right-click the iPod name. Select Eject. It is now safe to unplug the iPod from the USB cable and the computer.

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Last modified: Jun 20, 2007, 09:17 EDT
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