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iPods 101: How To Get The Most From Your iPod

Become An iPod Expert And Master The Art Of iPod Customization!

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR IPOD

One you purchase your iPod, getting started is easy! Apple has made it easy since the instructions included with your iPod are accurate and concise. Depending on what computer operating system you have, the instructions will vary slightly.

Windows PC

To use your iPod with Windows PC you need the following minimum essentials:

A built in high power USB 2.0 (or higher) or a built in FireWire.
Windows 2000 OS with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2.
iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. You should find iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.
Software for your iPod. You should find the software on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.

Note that your iPod can be used to import photo collections directly from Adobe Photoshop Album. Keep in mind that this is optional software. You can also import your digital photos directly from your computer or directly from your digital camera.

Macintosh

If you have a Macintosh computer you will need the following minimum essentials:

A built in high power USB 2.0 (or higher) or a built in FireWire.

Macintosh OS X v10.2.8 or Macintosh OS X v10.3.4 or higher.

iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. You should find iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes by checking out the iTunes website at apple.com/itunes.

Software for your iPod. You should find the software on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.

Preparing your iPod

Before you start using your iPod you will need to prepare it for use. You will need to charge the battery, install the software, and take the time to import songs from your CD collection or from music folders on your computer. Don’t forget that you can also purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store. The following steps will guide you in correctly preparing your iPod for its first use:

Charging the battery: Your iPod will be 80% charged in three hours and fully charged in five hours. Connect your iPod to the Power Adapter by using the iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 (or higher) cable.
Software installation: Put the iPod CD into your CD drive. Follow the instructions to install both the iPod software as well as iTunes.

Now you are ready to import music to your computer from your CD collection if you haven’t already done so. You have two options when it comes to obtaining music for your iPod: (1) importing to your computer from a CD, or (2) buying music online at iTunes. To import music from a CD use the following steps:

Choose a CD and put it into your CD drive. Once iTunes has been installed it will open automatically and the CD that you have inserted will appear in the iTunes Source list.
Check off any songs that you don’t want to transfer. Click on import.
Continue this process for all of the music CDs that you want to transfer to your computer.

To buy music online use the following steps:

Open up the iTunes software program. From the Source List click on Music Store.
Select the Account option. Set up your account so that you can purchase music online. Keep in mind that this service is not available in all countries.

Playing Music

Once you have finished transferring your selected music you will be prompted with a message that says okay to disconnect. Disconnecting is easy by squeezing both sides of the dock connector before you remove it from your iPod. Use the wheel on your iPod to choose a song to play.

Quick Guide to iPod Accessories

Since iPod's initial release in 2001, manufacturers of iPod accessories have grown so big and are continuously growing so much, that financial analysts now call the market of iPod accessories as "iPod ecosystems."

Engineers and stylists are not running out of ideas on how to accessorize an iPod from generations one to five, including the nano and shuffle lines. Even the established corporations such as the Altec Lansing and Bose have joined the crowd of iPod accessories retailers. This shows how iPod has etched its name as the leading brand for digital audio player market.

However, there are many iPod accessories out there that are expensive but useless. In order to save you time and energy in finding the most useful and least expensive iPod accessories, we've scouted the net and listed the five (5) top iPod accessories worth having.

1. SPEAKERS.

Companies such as Altec Lansing, JBL, Bose and Kessington jumped into the iPod accessories bandwagon and started manufacturing speakers that are designed to work with iPods, using the iPod's dock connectors.

Speakers come in the usual "Apple white" color, and sleek, lightweight design to complement other iPod accessories. Although these speakers are smaller in size compared to the usual speakers bundled with audio component systems, iPod speakes' sound remain crisp, there is no cracking sound, and the bass booms in that thick, pumping sound.

We rated Altec Lansing inMotion iPod speakers as No. 1, for staying cheap while remaitaining its high quality. It is priced for only around $149.

Why speakers?

Although iPod does have a small, built-in speaker, it's main function is not to emit sounds from audio files. The small, built-in speaker's use is for warning tones only.

A separate speaker will allow you to play your favorite song outside of the earphones. The rich and crisp sound of iPod speakers are good enough to play for small parties.

2. FM TRANSMITTER.

Companies such as Monster Cable and Griffin Technologies introduced the FM transmitter to the iPod accessories community. With this iPod accessory, you can play not only the songs from your playlist but also music played over the radio.

3. iPOD CASES AND iPOD SKINS

These iPod accessories are designed primarily to protect iPods from dirt and scratches. In order to increase sales, iPod skins and iPod cases manufacturers came up with stylish and innovative iPod skins. Known manufactureres of fashionable iPod cases are iSkin, Kate Spade, Incase, Xtreme Iconz, Chums, and Speck.

iLounge.com offers the best iPod skins in the market at low prices. These iPod accessories are a must-have item that will help your iPods last longer. We recommend you choose the silicone types rather than the leather ones since silicone skins are much cheaper than leather skins and offer better insulation from heat.

4. ARMBANDS

You can enjoy your iPods while running or jogging with iPod armbands.

iPod armbands are one of the most innovative iPod accessories there are. An iPod armband allows you to do your daily workouts while listening to your iPod Abs Workout Music. You can even do the most difficult Yoga position and still keep your iPod, playing a soothing crystal and waves sound, in place.

These iPod accessories keeps your iPod in place and screen scratch free with a Screen Protector.

5. SOUND ISOLATION EARPHONES

These iPod accessories are best for transcriptionists, musicians or students preparing for exams.

Etymotic Research ER-6i sound isolating earphones offer high accuracy in emitting sound treble and bass and keep all the noise at bay. They are lightweight and portable and come in the usual "Apple white" color.

SOME UNIQUE IPOD ACCESSORIES

1. CAR INTEGRATION ACCESSORIES

BMW was the first automotive company to release an iPod-related accessory for their automobiles. BMW introduced iPod automobile interface sometime in 2005. An iPod control was integrated into the built-in steering wheel, alongside the control and radio head buttons. The iPod unit is safely confined inside the glove compartment and is attached to a cable harness to keep it in place every time the car speeds up or is traversing rocky and bumpy roads.

The iPod steering wheel control allows the driver to create and shuffle five (5) "BMW playlists." The playlists are displayed through the small LCD of the vehicle's radio head.

2. iTalK VOICE RECORDER FOR iPod

Tired of listening to your iPod everyday? With this iPod accessory, your iPod can now listen to you.

The article "iPods 101: How To Get The Most From Your iPod" continues on the next page ...

For more information about iPods, Podcasting and MP3 players, please visit our "resources" section, or go to articles about ipods and mp3 players.

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