Have to start using iTunes again?

gord · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:22

Basically, ive always used Winamp for my music, but im getting an iPod touch and AFAIK you have to get it going with iTunes, but do i have to keep using iTunes?

What are the pitfalls of iTunes i should be looking out for? Ive got files which are all fairly random and not in album folders or anything.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Ah, just dawned on me, im using Windows XP, so this is probably better being in the windows section?

hendrix · 9 Dec 2007 at 19:10

gord said:
Basically, ive always used Winamp for my music, but im getting an iPod touch and AFAIK you have to get it going with iTunes, but do i have to keep using iTunes?

What are the pitfalls of iTunes i should be looking out for? Ive got files which are all fairly random and not in album folders or anything.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Ah, just dawned on me, im using Windows XP, so this is probably better being in the windows section?

May get more responses in windows section, but you'll get just as good advice here too

You ever dabbled in iTunes before or has it been winamp all they way?

Ive got files which are all fairly random and not in album folders or anything.

iTunes can organise your music (renaming files to appropriate names + into folders) which is pretty neat, since I had the same situation with all my music.

I've not really found any problems with iTunes, it's been pretty solid for me with the video iPod.

Suppose you can use iTunes to organise the music, sync with the Touch, and you'll still be able to use winamp to play music, just sync in iTunes whenever you get a hold of new music or podcasts etc.

gord · 9 Dec 2007 at 19:27

Aye, ive used iTunes before a while ago. But i vividly remember that when i added my playlists and closed the program, then come back and all of music would be "cant find the file".. arg! I only bloody loaded in everything a few hours ago and just closed the program!

I dont want that again, i may give this auto-manage thing a go, but im not sure about it.

Winamp will remain my player.

Doug · 9 Dec 2007 at 19:29

There are Winamp plugins that allow syncing to iPod, they might have been updated to work with the Touch, you'll have to look.

If you do find a plugin, all you'll need iTunes for is the initial setup.

TheVoice · 9 Dec 2007 at 20:06

ml_ipod plug-in has support for the new iPods I believe, although it might not support the Touch yet.

Raymond Lin · 10 Dec 2007 at 03:14

You can also ask itune NOT re-organise your music and folders upon installation.

gord · 10 Dec 2007 at 11:24

Raymond Lin said:
You can also ask itune NOT re-organise your music and folders upon installation.

With the auto manage does it actually move and re-name your files? Do you have to have them in "My Music" or similar?

hendrix · 10 Dec 2007 at 11:30

gord said:
With the auto manage does it actually move and re-name your files? Do you have to have them in "My Music" or similar?

You could chuck all the files into the iTunes Music Folder (within My Music/Itunes/Itunes Music. i think). and then simply select all files and drag them into iTunes. This should rename and organise into appropriate folders.

Or you could select the option to copy everything into the iTunes folder, then add to iTunes, and delete all the old stuff.