iPod + Music = iTunes (iTunes)

Member Name: davomrmac

Product:	iTunes
Date:	01/10/08 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease of use, powerful, free

Disadvantages: iPod only

There is the odd review about on this website and others that slate iTunes. I think this is really unfair, and the only reason some seem to hate it is that they don't like Apple and/or DRM (Digital Rights Management). The fact that iTunes only really works with the iPod and iPhone is another matter, but it is Apple's software, so why not make it exclusive to work with only their products.

Rant over... iTunes 8 delivers three main functions. The first is to organise your music, movies, podcasts and iPod games. You can sort and view them in many different ways. You can store your library locally on you actual computer, or locate it elsewhere, say an external or network hard drive. This is especially useful if you have a large collection of music and movies. The application also offers a search function, so finding that track quickly is very easy.

The second function is to get that content... all your music and video files, onto your iPod or iPhone. Simply plugging in your device starts the synchronisation process, transferring all the files. You can highlight your iPod in the sidepanel and configure what is going to be transferred. Individual music tracks and TV programmes for example. Or if you listen to podcasts (news or discussion programmes, which are FREE) you can just synchronise the three most recent unplayed episodes. It is this ease of configuration that makes iTunes very useful. You can even transfer across your contacts and calendar, or dependin on what device you have, emails and internet bookmarks can also be included.

The last function is to give you access to Apple's iTunes Store. Here you can buy music, TV shows, movies and games. You can also subscribe to the free podcasts. All are downloaded quickly and neatly into the appropriate place in the application. Automatically organised, you couldn't realy ask for more. Once downloaded, they are then transferred to your iPod the next time you plug it in. There are a few more tricks up iTunes sleeve, such as burning disks, the visualiser etc. which makes it a superb application.

Oh yes, and it's FREE!

Summary: A feature rich, powerful application, oh, and it's FREE

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