Converting PC-formatted iPod to Mac

Article

Converting PC-formatted iPod to Mac

Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

Q: I have an iPod that is about 3 years old. When I originally purchased the iPod, I was using a PC, but about two years ago I made the switch to a Macbook. I would like to upload all my music from my iPod and reformat the iPod for my Macbook. How do I do this? More importantly, I made some on the go mixes on my iPod that I don’t want to lose; can I upload those as well. I think I have the 5 generation model, but am completely sure. What is the difference between that and the 4th generation?

- Rachel

A: The good news is that your Macbook can read a PC-formatted iPod, so transferring the music and other content from your iPod back to your computer should not be too complicated. See our our iPod 201 article, Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer for more information on how to perform this step. This article also includes information on several third-party tools that can be used to synchronize back your other iTunes library information such as playlists, ratings, play counts and more.

Once you have recovered the content from your iPod back into your iTunes library, you can reformat your iPod for the Mac file-system simply by performing a “Restore” on it from within iTunes.

It shouldn’t matter whether you are using a fourth or fifth-generation iPod model in this case, but you can confirm which model you have by checking out our FAQ, What Are the Differences Between All the iPod Models. In short, however, the fourth-generation iPod models did not display video, although some models came with a colour screen and could display photos. The fifth-generation iPod was the first model to introduce video playback to the iPod family.

The most asked question at iLounge.com:

How do I copy content from my iPod/iPhone onto my computer?

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Mac)

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Win)

Best Speakers?

Best Headphones?

Best Case?

Best In-Car Solution?

Best Battery Extender?

Find more answers in the latest publications in our Library. Free downloads developed by the editors of iLounge!

Ask iLounge Archives:

5-23-13: Costs associated with using FaceTime

5-22-13: iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage

5-21-13: Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode

5-17-13: Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore

5-16-13: Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

« Managing and syncing iPod touch On-The-Go playlists

iPod and TV USB inputs »

Comments

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

Article