In the previously posted ‘20 Tools to Make your iPod Better‘, Kaly mentioned that with time we’ll make it better, and we did it. So, here you go: 50 free Tools to Make your iPod better and almost 30 problem-specific tips to fix it.
GENERAL iPod MANAGERS
(1) Floola (Win, Mac, Linux) – portable iPod manager. Features: (1) move audio and video to/from iPod, (2) manage and import/export playlists, (3) last.fm support, (4) multi-lingual, (5) lyrics and podcasts support, (6) search files, (7) iPod troubleshooting, (8) manage notes, (9) sync files between PC and iPod
(2) YamiPod (Win, Mac, Linux) – yet another portable iPod manager. Features: (1) playlists import/export (PLS,M3U), (2) PC to iPod autosync, (3) built-in music player, (4) last.fm support, (5) search, (6) song list export and more
(3) Sharepod (Win) – Features: (1) move files to/from iPod, (2) built-in music player, (3) search, (4) create winamp-style playlists, (5) network file sharing (office, college, etc.), (6) built-in music player and more
(4) Ephpod (Win) – not as flexible as the ones above but has couple of cool features: ultra-fast song transfer, powerful playlist creation features, one click sync, winamp support, bunch of extras (news, weather, movie listings, etc.)
(5) Rockbox – open source replacement firmware for mp3 players. Features: (1) dynamic playlist creation, (2) multiple themes, (3) gapless playback, (4) in-built clock, (5) tagging, (6) plugins and more
(6) Amarok (Linux) – iTunes alternative. Features: (1) manage, create playlists , (2) podcasts support, (3) last.fm support more
(7) Rhythmbox (Linux) – integrated music management application (inspired by iTunes)
DOWNLOAD, CONVERT and RIP
(8) iPodifier (Win) – automatically monitors selected folders, converts videos to an iPod format, adds them to iTunes, and syncs them with your iPod.
(9) Jodix (Win) – converts all popular video formats (DVD/VCD and AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, RMVB, DivX, ASF, VOB) to an iPod format. Lets you process several files at once.
(10) BoilSoft (Win) – converts AVI, DivX, MPEG, VOB, RM, RMVB, MOV, MP4 and more, to iPod/PSP formats
(11) KeepV (Win) – lets you download and convert Flash/FLV files (YouTube, Metacafe, Dailymotion, etc.) to an iPod compatible format
(12) iTube (Win) – lets you download, convert and transfer any YouTube video onto your iPod video (or iTunes) right from your desktop.
(13) Koyote (Win) – download your favorite videos from Youtube and convert it to Ipod video format. Can also be used to convert other video formats, i.e. DivX, XVid, MP4, DVD, VOB, AVI, WMV, ASF
(14) iPod Video Converter (Win, Mac) – a desktop widget from Yahoo Widgets. Drag your video file on top of it and it’ll convert it into an iPod format
(15) Handbrake (Win, Mac, Linux) – lets you rip your DVDs to iPod, PSP and Zune
(16) CDex (Win) – a portable app that allows you to ripp cds directly to your iPod
(17) iSquint (Mac) – convert several popular video formats (MOV, MP4, AVI, DV, MPG, VOB, 3GP, ASF, WMV, FLV, M4V, etc.) to an iPod format
(18) Vixy – web-based video downloader and converter for iPod
(19) TVHarmony (Win) – perfect TiVo companion that lets you monitor TiVo for your favorite programs, download and convert them to iPod/PSP/Palm/XBox… formats. Ability to download stuff from popular video sites included.
(20) Videora (Win) – convert regular PC video files (AVI, MPEG, etc) into iPod compatible format
COOL iPod EXTRAS
(21) iPodWizard (Win) – lets you change the graphics, font and strings on all iPod models with screen
(22) PodPlayer (Win) – lets you play music directly from your iPod. View songs in iTunes-like manner (by artist, genre, album, playlist, etc), extract songs, find duplicates, and more.
(23) CantoPod (Win, Mac) – get song lyrics on your iPod (with over 200.000 lyrics to choose from)
(24) vPod (Win)- transfer music from Windows to iPod. Scans your music library and shows what’s not on your iPod.
(25) iPodDisk (Mac) – another tool for copying music from your iPod.
(26) 100 Portable Apps to put on your iPod (Win, Mac) – all-purpose, no-install-required software (office tools, antivirus, email, games, etc.)
(27) Axport (Win) – handy iTunes addon that enables you to copy files off your iPod with one click
(28) iDirectionz (Win) – store driving directions on your iPod
(29) gPodder (Linux) – podcast receiver, catcher and sync (with iPod) tool
(30) GoogleGet (Win) – weather+news combo tool
(31) piPod – guide to the best pizzerias in the five boroughs of NYC
(32) Senuti (Mac) – syncs files off your iPod and sends them directly to your iTunes library. It can also play songs directly off iPod
(33) Weather for Me (Win) – downloads weather forecasts from Myforecast.com and puts them on your iPod
(34) Encyclopodia (Win, Mac, Linux) – this incredible tool brings wikipedia to your iPod
(35) iPodLinux – port Linux into your iPod, with lots of addons
(36) Filter (Win, Mac) – lets you create dynamic playlists (automatically fill and refreshes your iPod)
(37) eBook-creator – web-based tool that creates iPod compatible ebooks from regular text files
(38) iPod-notes – silimilar to eBook creator but also lets you create iPod eBooks from a webpage
(39) iPodlinks – variety of icons and wallpapers
(40) iPodGym – turn iPod into your gym advisor, over 80 exercise videos along with work-out guidelines
(41) iPodArcade – web source for iPod games, i.e. trivia, adventure, madlibs and jokes
(42) GoodEats (Win) – loads all of the recipes from Good Eats into your iPod
(43) GTKpod (Win, Mac, Linux) – provides Graphical User Interface for iPod using GTK2
(44) ShuffleDB (Win, Mac, Linux) – simple and easy-to-use iTunes alternative for iPod Shuffle (database builder)
(45) iPodulatorPRO (Win, Mac) – RSS reader(?), games and powerful notes management feature
(46) iBoy (Win, Mac, Linux) – Gameboy and Gameboy Color emulator for the iPod
(47) iGain (Win) – handy iTunes addon that lets you adjusts the tracks’ volume (so that the series of tracks appear to play at a consistent volume) and sync adjustments with tracks on iPod
(48) Mogopop (Win, Mac) – web community where you can create and share multimedia content for iPod. Lets you quickly download user-submitted videos (museum tours, comedy videos…), music from independent artists and games
(49) myPodder(Win, Mac, Linux) – automatically downloads podcasts and syncs them to your iPod
(50) Tools to strip DRM – (1) DRMdumpster (Mac) – requires CD-RW, (2) myFairTunes (Win) – works with older version of iTunes (7.0.2.16 and below) and (3) Tunebite (Win) – only non-free tool listed here
(51) Selected Podcasts Sources: WellToldTales (fiction, horror) | PodioBooks (audio books) | Odeo (general)
.
- I get the “sad face iPod” on the screen of my iPod [zolved.com]
- How to Rename Your iPod [methodshop.com]
- How to fix an iPod that won’t boot [crunchgear.com]
- I get the ‘Do not disconnect’ message on my iPod screen [zolved.com]
- “Do Not Disconnect” Won’t Go Away [methodshop.com]
- The Apple iPod’s White Screen of Death [zolved.com]
- Where did all my iPod space go? [ipoddisk.ourbiti.com]
- Restoring Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with ideo) [zolved.com]
- How about something to make the battery life better? [zolved.com]
- I have an iPod battery problem [zolved.com]
- How to Replace the iPod’s battery [zolved.com]
- My iPod’s Battery Won’t Charge [methodshop.com]
- Quick guide to icons on your Ipod screen [methodshop.com]
- My iPod is not mounting/not showing in My Computer/not recognized by iTunes [zolved.com]
- iPod screen is frozen on … [zolved.com]
- Using Multiple iPods on One Computer [methodshop.com]
- Restart a Frozen iPod [methodshop.com]
- How do I reset/restore my iPod [zolved.com]
- Your iPod skips? [methodshop.com]
- iPod LCD Screen Problems [methodshop.com]
- Erase Your iPod [methodshop.com]
- The iPod’s Diagnostic Mode [methodshop.com]
- My iPod Won’t Mount/Update [methodshop.com]
- Upgrading iPod Hard Drives [command-tab.com]
- Put Your iPod into Disk Mode [methodshop.com]
- How to use iPod as a portable hard-drive [zolved.com]
- What to do if your iPod falls into a body of water [methodshop.com]
PART3: Cool iPod Tips, Writeups and Massive Software Download Resources
- How to Install Wikipedia on Your iPod [makeuseof.com]
- How To: Move Music from iPod to PC in 5 Easy Steps [makeuseof.com]
- Download,Convert & Sync videos to your iPod – without touching your PC [mike.chicagobairds.com] – windows only
- Everything you wanted to know about the iPod [laserline.com]
- 50 fun things to do with your iPod [kottke.org]
- Podlodge.com – polished collection of software, tools, and hacks
- iPodhacks – latest hacks, mods, tips and tricks
- 20 Podcasts That Will Teach You Spanish, French, Italian and German [oculture.com]
MakeUseOf Recommends
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Hide 24 Comments
Great info. Thanks for compiling this list!
Wonderful compilation. Keep up the great work.
Give Me Them Then In 1!!!!!!!!!!
The Filter is the best!
@ Tom
not a bad idea, I wonder if it’s going to be free…
@ Aaron
yeap, Filter is cool. Although, I prefer something with more features.
what the hell is this i downlaoded the Ephpod and worked with my apple 30GB ipod it has been damage.what should i do now,who is responcible for that?i just bought it a week ago.right now i m in PAKISTAN ,it was sent from USA.tell me what should i do?
@ Khan
well, EPHPOD is a pretty popular tool, and to my knowledge worked just fine for several thousands of people. Did you buy a second hand or a new one? Did you checked above mentioned TroubleShooting tips ?
this is the best
i dont know how to put some videos on my ipod i drag it into itunes but it wont show up anywhere.its also an avi file so idont think i ned 2 convert it.
what should i do?
just a question – I have a new IPOD, I put SharePod onto the IPOD and it works great getting music on the Sharepod screen (I can see it in MY Computer) The problem is the IPOD says there is no music on the IPOD. Can you advise where I should put the music in the ipod folders and how it must be named in order for the IPOD to allow me to play it? thanks, Jay in wash dc
pleaase help me
This maybe due to missing ID3 tags, maybe something else. Here is one link that may help you out
1. I don’t see some of my songs when browsing by artist on my iPod
Wow, I wonder how you to do that. Very useful!
Thank you for taking the effort to share this list. I would only ask that links be added for devices to add artwork, especially now that itunes artwork importer is no longer working.
Thanks for the great article. Keep up the good work.
its superb
If you want to install iPod Video Converter you can follow this guide: http://www.mconverter.net
iPod Video Converter for Mac is powerful, easy-to-use Mac video conversion software adapted to be installed for Mac users which convert video file between all popular video formats.
Great sum-up for iPod tools. Yet for me, iPod-to-computer transfer program is a must-have tool.
I have used gutensoft.com/Utilities/Tansee-iPod-Transfer.htm Tansee iPod Transfer for a long time. I like its easy, entire and safe transfer.
How do you actually get the programs onto your ipod?..or how do you use them?
You do not list all.
the best video converter for mac is moviesmac.com/imedia-converter-mac/#121
man this is great just what i been looking for i have ipod touch 2g now i just need to jailbreak my ipod touch 2g and the guy name “Jo” you used them from your window,linux,or mac some of them like wikipedia in ipod is used in your ipod thanx this is the best ipod site ever
great info, save it and will try to use it in the future, and recommend a blog of ipod converter on mac
Thanks for your tools recommended. I also recommended one tool I use for years and work well for my ipod
Thanks for sharing
They help a lot
This site shows a very complete way to rebuild an empty iTunes library based on iPod contents
http://www.ipod-pc.com/ipod-to-itunes.php
Very interesting
Mike