2 March 2009 389 views No Comment Email This Post

As great as the iPod range is, (and it pains me to say this!) they aren’t perfect. There are some annoying little wrinkles which from time to time need to be ironed out. But given the complexity of today’s electronic devices, it’s hardly surprising. Usually, electronic devices work straight out of the box, but on occasions this isn’t so, and certain steps need to be taken.

Keep your iPod’s firmware up to date.

All iPod’s have inbuilt “hard wired” software which makes the unit run. This software is called the “firmware” and is hard wired into the unit when it’s produced. Most electronic equipment will have some sort of firmware. Electronics manufactures will from time to time release updated firmware for their products. Apple is no different in this regard, and release firmware updates for the various iPod units from time to time. Apple recommends you update your firmware to extend battery life, but it is also good for ironing out any of those little wrinkles Apple may have identified. So the tip here is: - if you’re on iTunes and there is a new firmware version available for your iPod – install it!

New iPod? Make these tips habits.

If you’ve been lucky enough to score yourself your very first iPod, there are a number of things you need to know – and you need to make them habits if your are going to enjoy using your iPod.

1. Download and install iTunes on your computer.

The only way you can get your music from your computer to you iPod is by using the iTunes software. You can download iTunes from the Apple web site (www.apple.com/au/itunes). Remember, that iTunes will install onto a Windows or a Mac OS computer, but will not run on computers using the Linux based operating systems. So if you’re a real techo running a Linux box, you will have to dual boot or run a virtual machine to synch up your iPod.

2. Keep an eye on your USB port.

iPod’s have an inbuilt rechargeable battery, which can charge through the USB port on your computer. Most inbuilt USB ports on computers these days are powered; however some cheaper external USB hubs are not. To prevent battery damage, make sure the USB port you use to connect your iPod to your computer is powered.

3. Before you use it – charge it.

Most iPods ship with only a small or partial charge in the inbuilt battery. It is good practice to fully charge your iPod (or any battery powered device for that matter, such as an iPhone) prior to first use.

4. Always properly eject

You know how it is. You’re finished using your USB device, so you grab it and yank it out of the port and you’re away. That’s certainly the wrong way to go with your iPod, and may cause you to lose your iPod data – especially when you are using a Windows computer. To avoid problems, always use the safe disconnect option on your computer.