ShepiPod 1

My first iPod was a second-generation 20GB touch wheel model.

iPod

Well, now that I've got one of these, I ought to put together some cool info on the beast. (Note: my iPod is a second-generation iPod, pictured here. It does not have a 'dock connector' which many iPod accessories require.)

Initial thoughts: Cool!

I'm surprised that I can't play songs while it is plugged into the FireWire port. I'd like to be using it as my home/work shuttle drive and be able to use it and listen to it as well.

I've added my iPod to iSync and when I plug it in it updates Contacts and Calendar. The song updates are handled by iTunes. I changed a few settings in iTunes by clicking the little iPod icon in the lower right corner. Of course I want FireWire disk use (this is needed to use Contacts and Calendar). I also enabled the Only update checked songs. I think this means it only works with the songs that are checked in iTunes. I don't know why you would not have this checked. The songs I don't want to hear are unchecked—why would I want to listen to them on my iPod when I don't want to hear them on iTunes?

When I first wanted an iPod, I wanted a 20 GB model, so it could hold my entire collection of music. Well, my music collection has grown much larger (40 GB as of this writing). This turns out not to be a problem. Rather than put my entire collection on the iPod, I create Smart Playlists that only hold about 1 GB of music (200+ songs or 15+ hours of play time) and selected by 'least often played' or 'least recently played'. The iPod Mini is really cute, but with a 4 GB capacity it is too small for my needs. And for $50 more you can get the low-end 20 GB model0

Links

The official iPod website.

Apple: iPod Support

Apple: All iPod Manuals

iPoding is a good resource site.

A good TidBITs review on iPod cases: Making a Case for iPod Cases

The Many Faces of iPod: another iPod accessory review

I liked the iSkin case for iPod protection. I use it in disk mode a lot and it seemed the other iPod cases would insulate and trap the heat. The iSkin specifically has cooling holes. The only problem is it is a Canadian company and you've got to use PayPal (or check/money order).

Apple Knowledge Base

60920: iPod FAQ
93651: iPod: How to Put Into Disk Mode
32222: iPod troubleshooting basics and service FAQ

Interesting Stuff

Want to access your iPods hidden debug menu with 16 developer tools, including a 'HDD Scan' and various system tests? Just 'restart' your iPod (press and hold the 'menu' and 'play/pause') and when the Apple comes up, press and hold the 'back', 'select' and 'next' buttons (all 3 buttons in the center row)."

According to 61686 information on the iPod will update iTunes on your main computer. Things like last played date and playback count will be updated in iTunes when iPod is connected to your computer and updated.

Battery

Popular Science explains how to remove the case of an iPod to replace the battery.