How to Get the Most From you iPod for Free

Since the iPod was first introduced over four years ago, it has proven to be a versatile little tool. One that could equal a laptop computer in versatility. Even though the architecture is tightly closed, hackers have managed to find their way in so that they can make modifications.

 Steve Jobs is famous for his mesmerizing presentations 

and charisma.

This was the introduction of the original iPod 

in the year 2001- history in the making.

Not even Steve Jobs new what kind 

of revolution was to come from this.

Software developers and creators of content have made it possible for you to use the iPod to keep all kinds of information at your finger tips. Most people buy an iPod for the obvious reasons. The iPod works with your computer so that you can import music and organize your songs and photos. These files are then transferred to your iPod so that you can listen to them and view them wherever you go. But your iPod is so much more that just a player for music.

Some of the incredible things that you can do with your iPod include:

• Store up to thousands of songs from your private music collection so that you can listen to the wherever you want to take them.
• Store up to thousands of digital photos. This is ideal for viewing whenever you want as well as for backing up your digital photos until you can transfer them to your computer.
• Import photos from your digital camera by using the iPod Camera Connector. This is ideal for when you are traveling and your digital camera care is full.
• Look at your photos through a slideshow. You can add music to the slideshow and view it on your television. This is done by using the iPod AV Cable.
• Listen to audiobooks. You can find audiobooks at the iTunes Music Store or at www.audible.com.
• You can create On-The-Go playlists. Playlists are great for arrange music that you want to listen to at a certain place and time, such as a work-out playlist for working out at the gym.
• You can use your iPod as an external hard drive. This is great of storing files or backing up data.
• You can change the equalizer settings on your iPod to make your music sound as great as possible.
• You can store all of your contact information and synchronize it to your calendar.
• You can record your own voice memos. This is done by purchasing an optional microphone.
• You can play games.

My blog site includes How-Tos on this, and more. Do you know that you can use your iPod as a remote control? Read on and know how.

Getting Started On Your iPod

Once you purchase your iPod, getting started is easy! Apple has made it easy since the instructions included with your iPod are accurate and concise. Depending on what computer operating system you have, the instructions will vary slightly.

Newly opened iPod.

Windows PC

To use your iPod with Windows PC you need the following minimum essentials:

• A built in high power USB 2.0 (or higher) or a built in FireWire.
• Windows 2000 OS with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2.
• iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. You should find iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.
• Software for your iPod. You should find the software on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.

Note that your iPod can be used to import photo collections directly from Adobe Photoshop Album. Keep in mind that this is optional software. You can also import your digital photos directly from your computer or directly from your digital camera.

Macintosh

If you have a Macintosh computer you will need the following minimum essentials:

• A built in high power USB 2.0 (or higher) or a built in FireWire.
• Macintosh OS X v10.2.8 or Macintosh OS X v10.3.4 or higher.
• iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. You should find iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes by checking out the iTunes website at www.apple.com/itunes.
• Software for your iPod. You should find the software on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.

Preparing your iPod

Before you start using your iPod you will need to prepare it for use. You will need to charge the battery, install the software, and take the time to import songs from your CD collection or from music folders on your computer. Don’t forget that you can also purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store.

The following steps will guide you in correctly preparing your iPod for its first use:

1. 1. Charging the battery: Your iPod will be 80% charged in three hours and fully charged in five hours. Connect your iPod to the Power Adapter by using the iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 (or higher) cable.
2. 2. Software installation: Put the iPod CD into your CD drive. Follow the instructions to install both the iPod software as well as iTunes.

Now you are ready to import music to your computer from your CD collection if you haven’t already done so. You have two options when it comes to obtaining music for your

iPod:

(1) importing to your computer from a CD

To import music from a CD use the following steps:

1. 1. Choose a CD and put it into your CD drive. Once iTunes has been installed it will open automatically and the CD that you have inserted will appear in the iTunes Source list.
2. 2. Check off any songs that you don’t want to transfer.Click on import.
3. 3. Continue this process for all of the music CDs that you want to transfer to your computer.

(2) buying music online at iTunes
To buy music online use the following steps:

1. 1. Open up the iTunes software program. From the Source List click on Music Store.
2. 2. Select the Account option. Set up your account so that you can purchase music online. Keep in mind that this service is not available in all countries.

Playing Music

Once you have finished transferring your selected music you will be prompted with a message that says okay to disconnect. Disconnecting is easy by squeezing both sides of the dock connector before you remove it from your iPod. Use the wheel on your iPod to choose a song to play.

Use your iPod for Map Directions

If you have an iPod Nano or iPod Photo you can use it to view Yahoo! Map directions. There is a new service that you can use called “iPod-iWay”. This online service has been created by Yahoo Maps and iPod for use with your MP3 player. But just what is iPod-iWay? This service will give you step by step directions when you are driving so that you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. All you have to do is export the results that you get for online driving directions as provided by Yahoo Maps. These directions are then imported into your iPod Photo. This is a great way for you to save the driving directions that you need in your iPod without having to buy any other software.

Here's a quick guide on how to use your iPod for Map Directions:

1. Using iPod-iWay is easy! You will first want to navigate to www.ipodiway.com. The process is just like using Yahoo Maps. Enter your starting point and your destination in the
2. form provided.
3. Once your information has been entered click on verify directions to ensure that you get accurate
4. directions.
5. Next click on get directions. You will be prompted to download a .zip file which holds your driving
6. directions.
7. Extract the .zip file into your iTunes Photo Folder.
8. Connect your iPod to the computer, sync, and then you are ready to start driving.

This software program is completely free to use and is perfect when you need to drive someplace unfamiliar to you. You will be able to utilize your iPod Photo to the max whether you travel in the US or Canada

Chapter 10: Laser Beam and Flashlight

You probably already take your iPod with you wherever you go. This means that you always have it on hand when you want to listen to your music or record a voice memo. But your iPod has another function: You can use it as a laser beam or a flashlight.

Griffin iBeams is complete and ready for your dock connected iPod mini or iPod. You can use the flashlight device for finding things in the dark or for when you just want a bit of added light. The laser is a class IIIA laser pointer. This is ideal for when you are doing presentations. 

Both the flashlight and laser come complete with a protective snap-on cap that you can attach to your
keychain so that it is always handy and accessible. The Griffin iBeam laser is a red laser beam, which can be seen from over two kilometers away. This doesn’t mean that you should spend valuable time playing, but it does mean that your iPod has one more bit of functionality that makes it a great investment.

The Griffin iBeam has been designed for the following iPods:

• The iPod mini
• The iPod Photo
• 4th generation iPod that has a click wheel
• 3rd generation iPod that has buttons and a touch wheel