Macworld: iPod Newbie Question ...

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4 Replies Last post: Dec 30, 2002 7:35 AM by PNorth

TempleOwls

146 posts since
May 25, 2001

Dec 27, 2002 2:22 PM

iPod Newbie Question

Well I finally joined the 21st century when it comes to music, I received an iPod for Christmas. I think I have it figured it out except for one thing, when I transfered my music to the iPod, I got a dialog box saying that some of the songs could not be transfered because they would not be able to be played on the iPod.

Why would I get such a dialog box? The songs in question are all in MP3 format, and play fine with iTunes. Any answers or slaps to the head because I am missing something obvious is appreciated.

swsteckly

349 posts since
Feb 22, 2001

1. Dec 28, 2002 5:29 PM

in response to: TempleOwls

Re: iPod Newbie Question

There are a few possibilities. Are you absolutely sure they are in MP3 format? I always have a few AIFF or WAV files mixed in. What is the bitrate? The iPod has a limit, I think it's 256, but I'm not sure. Info regarding support of VBR (variable bit rate) MP3's is a little sketchy, also. Sorry I'm not much help. I've never had any trouble with my two iPods, personally. Maybe someone else will help more.

sebimeyer

405 posts since
Apr 4, 2001

2. Dec 28, 2002 7:28 PM

Re: iPod Newbie Question

The iPod supports both AIFF and WAV files, so that can't be the problem. It might be that the files are corrupted though.

iDaver

315 posts since
Jun 3, 2001

3. Dec 28, 2002 8:23 PM

Re: iPod Newbie Question

I didn't want to start a new thread for my question. I'm trying to decide between the 5GB and the 10GB model. Has anyone had problems with the old style scroll wheel on the 5GB iPod? Aside from the storage size and the remote, this seems to be the only real difference between the two models. If the touch sensitive scroll wheel will last longer and be more trouble free, maybe it's worth the extra bucks. Otherwise I think I'll be happy with the 5GB. Thanks.

PNorth

118 posts since
Jul 11, 2001

4. Dec 30, 2002 7:35 AM

in response to: TempleOwls

Re: iPod Newbie Question

I had the same problem. What you have to do is have iTunes convert them to mp3's (I know they already are!). Sometimes, if the bit rate isn't up to par, the songs will play on iTunes on your Mac, but won't play on the iPod. When you have iTunes re-encode them as mp3's, I think that iTunes encodes them at 160 Kbps from the source (which is the original mp3 file you had).

I did this and the songs that wouldn't work on my iPod now work fine.

Best of luck, and Happy New Year to all.

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Dec 27, 2002 2:22 PM

iPod Newbie Question

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