[titania28]

Hi all!

I'm rather new to the mac world, so please bear with me. I just got my new 17" Powerbook a couple of days ago and I've been trying to update my iPod with the new software, to no avail.

First off, it's a Windows iPod, I'm not sure if that's causing the problem or not.

Problem:
- I plug my iPod in and it mounts on the desktop
- iTunes sees it and a window pops up saying it detects a software update for the iPod
- I click OK and the iPod software updater pops up.
- When I start typing in my password for the update, the iPod disappears off of the desktop and I get a window that says "iPod must be mounted on desktop to update"
- So, then I click OK on the warning window and then in the iPod software updater window it says "iPod software updated, please unplug and plug back in..."
- I've done this at least 5 times and the software definitely isn't updated.

Does anyone know why this may be happening, or at least a way to get around it?

Thanks so much for the help!
Titania

[AssassyN]

Hi, and welcome!!!

First off, CONGRATS on your 17" PB, it's an incredible machine, eh?!

Now, the deal is you can only use an iPod (the older style, as in, the ones that came out BEFORE May 3, 2003 that are clearly labeled "Mac" or "Windows" on the iPod box) as a Windows iPod OR a Mac iPod, but not both at the same time. You're clearly trying to use a Windows iPod on your Mac, so you'll first need to convert your iPod into a Mac iPod and THEN install the 1.3 update like you've been trying, and all should work!

To see step-by-step instructions on converting your iPod into a Mac iPod, just click here: Click Me!!

I hope this works for ya, and feel free to post any further Q's!

EDIT: Also, after you've converted your iPod, visit here: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=122014 and download the "OS X 1.3 iPod Software Updater". That'll download onto your desktop, and then instead of doing it the way you were, simply double-click that file and follow it's instructions to install.

[JFischel]

Can you make a Mac iPod a Windows iPod? I'm thinking of selling mine to get a new generation iPod.

Josh

[AssassyN]

Originally posted by JFischel:
Can you make a Mac iPod a Windows iPod? I'm thinking of selling mine to get a new generation iPod.

Josh

Yep, you can convert either way, and it's explained in the link I already posted.

About your thinking about getting a next-gen iPod, read this:I picked up my Gen2. 10gig iPod 2 weeks before the new ones came out, and I knew new ones were on the way. I couldn't be more pleased. My iPod doesn't have these early revision issues, it has a plethora of cases to choose from, which is very important if you care about how the rear chrome casing looks, is uses a standard FireWire cable that can be used on any FireWire device, and it can be attached to my Mac while still in the case. The new ones, when docked, have to be removed from any cases they may be in just to fit.

Granted, the new ones provide some nice stuff, but many are already complaining that the "On-The-Go Playlists" don't work nearly as well as advertised, battery life is shorter, and when it comes to looks it's a matter of personal opinion, but I think the older iPods look much more "Apple-like", more classy, and less "space-y".

If I were still in the market for an iPod, I'd certainly head right to the "Marketplace" forums or eBay and nab myself a 10 or 20gig Gen.2 iPod (whichever amount of space you'd need) for a really good price.

[JFischel]

Thanks for your feedback. I actually weighed the pros and cons of upgrading and quite frankly I couldn't come up with a good one other than I want it. Don't get me wrong, wanting something is good enough in my book. But, this time around I'm going to keep my five gb iPod for a lot longer. I don't need the space, I was thinking about some of the new features, but if I have a jones to play a game I'll pull out my Gameboy SP.

Josh

[titania28]

Hi AssassyN!
Thanks for the welcome and the advice!

I love this computer, it's so gorgeous and I've so much fun just learning how to use it.

However, I think I really goofed.
Before I'd read your response I was still goofing around with it and did something pretty dumb...
- Because I wasn't able to get the updater in iTunes to work, I downloaded the updater off of the apple website.
- When I opened the updater from the website it told me that I couldn't use it b/c I had a more current version of the updater on my HD.
- So I deleted the one on my HD , so now neither of them work!
- Even though I deleted the one out of my utilities folder, the one on my desktop (from the website) still claims that there is a newer version of the updater on the my HD.

So, I've kinda given up. I plugged it into my PC and reset it off of there and it works with iTunes great...so I think I'll just wait for a new update to come out again.

BTW - I completely agree with you! I love my ver.2 iPod, it's classy and elegant while the new ones are not.

Thanks for all of your help! I can't believe how much you know about Mac's considering the 17" is your first one!

Titania