iPod shuffle compatibility, other issues detailed

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iPod shuffle compatibility, other issues detailed

While Apple’s iPod shuffle is a relatively simple device with few opportunities for problems to occur, a few issues have popped up with the low-cost music player.

Some eMac and iMac G3 users have reported prolems in connecting the iPod shuffle to their computer. Because of the device’s width, the iPod shuffle cannot be connected to the USB port on the side of these systems. eMac and iMac G3 owners can connect the device to their Apple keyboard if they are running Mac OS X 10.3.6 or later, however, the iPod shuffle will not charge from the keyboard—only sync. Apple recommends that users purchase the iPod shuffle Dock or a USB extension cable if they want to be able to charge the device with the all-in-one Macs.

Apple said this issue could occur with “any computer, display, or USB hub with recessed or closely spaced USB ports,” including Apple’s 17-inch Studio Display 17 (ADC), certain Xserve configurations, and possibly a variety of PCs.

Apple has also detailed an issue in which the iPod shuffle may not play AAC music files that were not originally encoded with iTunes. “If you try to play a song on iPod shuffle that was encoded in AAC format (.M4A) by an application other than iTunes, iPod shuffle may not play it and skip to the next song,” Apple says. “To prevent this from happening, always use iTunes to encode songs to AAC for iPod shuffle play.” Songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store are not affected.

Meanwhile, MacFixIt reports that some readers have reported problems with loose buttons, overly sensitive buttons, and issues with synchronizing the iPod shuffle with multiple computers.

And according to iLoungers in our forum, the iPod shuffle’s lack of an internal clock—the first iPod to not have one—means that “last played” counts are not being updated when users sync the device back with iTunes.

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Comments

21

If you have an eMac ... you should really have just saved your money and got a new computer. Its about time

Apple is *still* selling eMacs as of today. It is a current model. In fact, if you don’t have a screen or keyboard handy, then an eMac is the cheapest way for a newbie to get into OSX. Your attitude seems a little supercilious.

Posted by Demosthenes on January 21, 2005 at 5:35 AM (PST)

22

whoops! you’re right. that is a bad call on apples part

Posted by nfmalick on January 21, 2005 at 5:48 AM (PST)

23

I think the eMac is like the “iMac That Could Not Be Killed”. Apple used to deny it sold eMacs directly at all and really only offered it through educational channels, but the limited success of the LCD iMac meant that making the eMac available generally was the only way to salvage some low-end sales. Maybe that will change with the mini Mac? Perhaps Apple will replace the eMac with a mini Mac+small screen at around the same price point?

Posted by Demosthenes on January 21, 2005 at 6:04 AM (PST)

24

Play COUNT and Last Played are two different things. I assume the Play Count is at least updated.

Last Played IS important for keeping some Smart Playlists fresh, so I hope Apple implements a solution like I mentioned above.

PS, my eMac’s a first-gen model, and I’m still more than happy with it

Posted by Nagromme on January 21, 2005 at 7:59 AM (PST)

25

To clarify, only the Last Played date is affected. Play counts are still updated when synced with iTunes. Read: http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68824

Posted by tariq on January 21, 2005 at 8:14 AM (PST)

26

As for needing an USB extender cable, most of us already have them.

You get them with Apple’s wired keyboards, surely you get one with an eMac, and most people wouldn’t need to use it for that as people generally use their keyboards infront of their PCs…

Posted by struddie on January 21, 2005 at 9:58 AM (PST)

27

I believe that way too much griping about small or non-existent problems with the iPod goes on at iPod Lounge. But, yesterday, I came across the most inept article about the iPod I have ever seen in my life. The poor freelance writer is under the impression iPod batteries last for only two or three hours, among other glaring mistakes. Read Susan Pyle‘s iPod piece for yourself here.

Posted by Podesta in Portland, OR on January 21, 2005 at 1:01 PM (PST)

28

Yikes.

Posted by instantpop in Minneapolis on January 22, 2005 at 10:43 AM (PST)

29

Okay. So it can be done, then. All Apple has to do is to program iTunes to update the “last played” time whenever it syncs a song from the iPod shuffle that’s had it’s playcount increased. Not perfect, but better than none.

Posted by tonton in Hong Kong on January 25, 2005 at 3:46 AM (PST)

30

But on the other hand a Shuffle fits fit on the “sidepanel” USB connections of a iMac G3…
Can’t argue on slot loading ones, bur on older ones it fits like a glove…

Posted by paer in Swe on February 4, 2005 at 6:30 AM (PST)

31

My Shuffle definitely does not update play count when connected. Any easy suggestion as to what I need to change?

Thanks.

Posted by marksmith on May 14, 2005 at 7:50 PM (PST)

32

ITUNE LIBRARY HAS MANY SONGS WITH ASTERISK IN FRONT AND WONT PLAY . SONGS SKIPPED ERROR MSG. ORIGINAL FILE NOT FOUND. HOW DO I CORRECT

Posted by J.R. HAMPTON on January 25, 2010 at 7:04 PM (PST)

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