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Josh.biz Technical Note 5 - added February 2007

Use the iPod shuffle as an ordinary mp3 player

The latest version of the Apple iPod shuffle, released in September 2006, has proved to be stylish, feather light and a highly successful product.

It seems to be the ultimate 'Naughties' equivalent of the Eighties Sony Walkman (click for Wikipedia reference). For such a tiny and lightweight device to be able to store so many tunes and play sound so clearly (especially bass) is astonishing.

For further information visit Wikipedia's reference covering the iPod shuffle.

If you would prefer not to use the Apple iTunes software and wish to use your iPod shuffle as an ordinary mp3 player, read on.

Keywords

iPod shuffle, mp3 player, iTunes

Solution

Please note these instructions are for Windows XP users only and assume you are using your iPod shuffle for the first time.

If you have already installed your hardware/software you may need to customise the instructions and/or reset your iPod shuffle.

1. Download and install the Python software
   This will allow the processing of programs written in the Python programming language.
   You will store and run this script on your iPod shuffle to compile your music into a recognisable database.
2. Download and install the latest version of Apple iTunes onto your PC.
3. Plug in your iPod shuffle to your PC and initialise your iPod shuffle with the iTunes software. This should happen automatically and you will be asked to name your iPod shuffle.
4. It seems necessary to select your iPod shuffle in iTunes and on the 'Settings' tab, turn on 'Enable disk use'.
5. Copy your mp3 files onto your iPod shuffle. They can be placed in any folder structure you wish. Filenames should not exceed 256 characters.
6. Download the iPod shuffle Database Builder. Full details of this excellent Python script can be read at the iPod shuffle Database Builder website.
7. After unzipping the iPod shuffle Database Builder, copy the 'rebuild_db.py' file onto your iPod shuffle. This is the small script (program) which will compile your music into a recognisable database.
8. Double click the 'rebuild_db.py' file (on the iPod shuffle) to run the program. This is a quick process and success can be confirmed in a text file (automatically generated), 'rebuild_db.log.txt'.
9. Finally, disconnect your iPod shuffle. NB See side notes below to avoid problems when disconnecting.

You should now be able to enjoy your tunes.

To edit your mp3 collection, repeat from 5. The iTunes program should start automatically when the iPod is reconnected to your PC.

If any of the links above fail consistently please .

Side Notes

Before disconnecting your iPod shuffle remember to 'eject' the device within the iTunes software.

Also remember to use the Windows 'Safely Remove Hardware' feature to disconnect the 'Mass Storage Device'.

After this, your iPod shuffle should display no lights and can be removed from it's cradle.

For an excellent web page on the subject of iPod shuffle lights visit:

What do all the flashing lights mean on my new Apple iPod Shuffle? by Ask Dave Taylor.

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