Go read the links I've posted. The dialog you describe appears only under one set of circumstances. As I've repeatedly pointed out iTunes WILL erase your music WITHOUT presenting said dialog box.
Seriously, do you have so much emotionally invested in Apple that you can't accept that perhaps one of their products has a flaw?
Sorry, I didn't realize that you were unable to read.
Again, iTunes WILL delete music WITHOUT WARNING, as I've repeatedly shown.
I know, it's hard for you to understand that that dialog box on appears in one specific instance. The problem, as I've described it, is very common. I've provided you with sufficient evidence to that effect.
It's painfully clear that my assertion is true. I've provided many links to that effect. The fact that in some instances a dialog box appears is completely irrelevant.
The FACT remains that iTunes WILL erase the music on your iPod WITHOUT presenting said dialog box.
1) Wipe iPod and enable for disk use. 2) Back up music library before reinstalling OS
Looking only at the context of the steps, reinstalling the OS would be the OS on the iPod. That context doesn't change unless you read the list of steps in the context of the parents post.
Even then, we have to assume that he reinstalled the OS on the computer for some reason other than catastrophic failure.
The reason isn't specified, but if it was a HD failure, the list of steps would be equally idiotic, even in the context of the parent post.
How do I stop iTunes from erasing audio files from my iPod, iPhone, or iPad?
All audio files stored on an Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad may be erased when the device is connected to a new or recently reformatted computer or hard drive. This is because the contents of the iPod, iPhone, or iPad correspond to audio files added to the iTunes music library on the first computer it is ever connected to. When the device is connected to a different computer running iTunes, all stored audio files may be changed to match the computer's music library. This happens if you set the music synchronization to update automatically, or reset iTunes to its default settings; iTunes is set to synchronize automatically by default.
No dialog box that says "we're erasin' your stuff" -- I love how Apple users felt the need to LIE about that! Pathetic.
Or you could just click on the "Transfer Purchases from "Narcc's iPhone" menu item in iTunes.
Yeah, then why there so many tutorials explaining in great detail how to copy music from your ipod to your computer? Did you think I pulled those steps out of my ass?
With every other mp3 player, it's as simple as copying a file. With apple, it's a whole production.
Connect the iPod to your PC. If iTunes starts syncing (ie erasing) your music automatically, hit the X in the upper right hand corner of iTunes display, to the left of the search box, to stop it.
There are many ways your music can "magically disappear" with other MP3 players. Doing a select all then hitting delete for example would be the equivalent of answering yes to a dialog that said it's going to wipe your iPod.
First, the dialog that says "we're going to sync to an empty library and erase all your music" DOESN'T EXIST. Well, as far as I can tell. I've been looking and I've found no evidence.
Further, navigating to a directory, selecting all the items, holding shift while pressing delete, and then clicking okay on the dialog box IS NOT EQUIVALENT to just simply clicking okay on a dialog box.
As the existence of this dialog box on iTunes is in serious doubt, I'd say that it's a simple matter of plugging it in and having your music erased. That is the experience that is being reported.
And no, users aren't turning to the ipod because it's better -- they're turning to it because they think it's better. Of course, doing anything simple, like copying a song from one device to another, is a nightmare.
Just one example, back when my wife was in college, I bought her an mp3 player (2004 or so?) she shared an apartment with a couple other girls, who were envious of her new toy. Her room mate, not to be out done, bought an iPod (they're the best, right?)
Well, it took my bride-to-be all of 15 minutes to copy her music form her computer to her mp3 player. Her room mate, on the other hand, spent three hours setting the thing up, from iTunes to apple id. She never did manage get a song on the thing. It was returned.
You could do all of that yourself, or you could use one of the many music management programs that are smaller, less resource intensive, and easier to use than iTunes.
The horror that is iTunes is a reason to avoid apple products, not a selling point!
One minor task that may be slightly easier? Ignoring that there are several third-party applications that let you copy cd's to your ipod, and all the other music manager that do the exact same thing, isn't that like saying riding a bicycle from NY to CA is easier than driving a car because you don't have all the hassle of seatbelts?
Apparently, I missed the part where he was wiping the OS on the computer. Still, this should have been obvious from my first post. His illiteracy is not a reflection on my technical competence.
You clicked yes on the dialog that says, "Hey, I'm going to delete the stuff on your iPod. Do you want me to do this?"
Prove that such a dialog exists. I did a bit of searching and was unable to find anything about this mysterious dialog that says "hey, this library is empty, do you still want to sync?"
Of course, it's not "my fault" as it's never happened to me. I use good products, not apple products.
Simply making things bigger doesn't make something a tablet. And part of what the iPad has done is to encourage tablet specific apps, ones that make use of the extra screen real estate.
So... making things bigger doesn't make it a tablet, okay. Encouraging people to make apps which take advantage of a bigger screen is what makes something a tablet. Okay, I'll play along. How did Apple encourage tablet specific aps.
As can I. In fact, I can eliminate the whole player aspect and do it all in iTunes. Or just navigate to, and copy/move/burn, any and all items in the folders where the originals are kept. Actually, I just click on the aliases of those folders I have on the desktop to get at the files.
So, what's the advantage of Apple here? So far, you haven't listed a single one that isn't equally true of other offerings. That's the entire point.
Technical specifications, features, both hardware and software, and capability.
If that's not your cup of tea, I could point you to thinner, lighter, and faster options. I believe I could even make a convincing argument for ease-of-use (though that's much more subjective).
Remember: Popularity is not in any way an indication of quality or utility.
"Huh, my computer doesn't recognize the player as a storage device. Oh, now I see why the tiny label claimed it was "optimized" (or whatever word they used) for Windows, it requires some random proprietary "driver" that also adds some sort of extension to explorer.exe". I even found one where the "driver" converted all your music to wma, you know, just because.
You really should upgrade from Windows 98 -- at least install 98se on there, you'll avoid the proprietary driver issue.
Not to mention a couple of brand-name mp3 players I've owned (as in, non-Apple but still from a larger manufacturer) where you could just copy files after installing their driver but the music would only show up in and be played from the player's weird file manager.
Please, outside of one Sony player (and they never play by the same rules) I've never found this to be the case. From Sandisk to RCA, just about every non-Apple MP3 player works just like any other USB flash drive.
The only company that I know requires you to use some weird file-manager is Apple.
Seriously, I defy you to go out and buy a non-apple MP3 player that doesn't just connect like a flash drive. Scrounge around the nastiest Chinese knock-off websites for the most generic player you can find. I guarantee you'll be able to plug it in and use it like a flash drive.
All I have to do is drop the folder onto the iTunes icon and walk away, knowing that when I drop the iWhatever into its cradle, the transfer is automatic.
Okay, move the goal post, it won't make a difference.
Hey, I can use one of many different music management programs to do the exact same thing -- the only difference, of course, is that I'm completely in control over the content of my device.
I can add or remove stuff without using crappy bloatware. I can copy the contents of my player to my phone, another computer, or make backups onto a dvd, or, or, or.
My point, which you still don't get, is that you're gaining absolutely nothing in terms of ease-of-use by picking Apple over another mp3 player vendor. In fact, depending on the task, you'll have a more difficult time with the Apple product!
unless you're trying to rip music off someone else's idevice that you have not purchased, there's no reason to *need* to do what you are complaining about.
I can think of a few reasons. Just off the top of my head: You want to use linux, you want a backup of your music that isn't dependent on iTunes, you finally got sick of itunes and want to use a different program or want to manage your music manually, I could go on.
This is all beside the point. The GP wrote "Is there some secret rule that says you can't get your data out?"
The answer is a resounding "yes". With any other mp3 player, or any non-apple smartphone, getting at my data is straight-forward. On Apple, it's a whole production. If Apple had their way, you wouldn't be able to pull your music off at all.
After that date all phone manufactures all of a sudden were scrambling to make something similar as they realised that Apple didn't just make a phone like they did, which they could compete against like they were used to. Apple was miles ahead and they were scrambling desperately to catch up as Apple had just eaten their lunch and was after their dinner as well.
Seriously? Other manufactures were *already* making iPhone-like phones when Apple entered the game. Besides, did you use that piece of garbage that was the first iPhone? It was barely usable, and lacked many basic features common to low-end dumb-phones.
The iPhone's initial success was driven completely by momentum. Had Motorola made the iPhone (identical in every respect), we'd be holding it up as an example of why you shouldn't release half-baked products.
Now the world's stuck with the usability nightmare that is the touch-screen phone. Just great.
Slashdot Mirror
Hey, look at that, YOU'RE STILL WRONG!
Go read the links I've posted. The dialog you describe appears only under one set of circumstances. As I've repeatedly pointed out iTunes WILL erase your music WITHOUT presenting said dialog box.
Seriously, do you have so much emotionally invested in Apple that you can't accept that perhaps one of their products has a flaw?
You need help.
Sorry, I didn't realize that you were unable to read.
Again, iTunes WILL delete music WITHOUT WARNING, as I've repeatedly shown.
I know, it's hard for you to understand that that dialog box on appears in one specific instance. The problem, as I've described it, is very common. I've provided you with sufficient evidence to that effect.
You're wrong. Get over yourself.
You're an idiot.
It's painfully clear that my assertion is true. I've provided many links to that effect. The fact that in some instances a dialog box appears is completely irrelevant.
The FACT remains that iTunes WILL erase the music on your iPod WITHOUT presenting said dialog box.
Give it up, you're demonstrably wrong.
I have provided much evidence to the contrary. Unless this dialog is brand new, it doesn't exist.
Umm... no it's not.
1) Wipe iPod and enable for disk use.
2) Back up music library before reinstalling OS
Looking only at the context of the steps, reinstalling the OS would be the OS on the iPod. That context doesn't change unless you read the list of steps in the context of the parents post.
Even then, we have to assume that he reinstalled the OS on the computer for some reason other than catastrophic failure.
The reason isn't specified, but if it was a HD failure, the list of steps would be equally idiotic, even in the context of the parent post.
Literacy. You should get some.
Yes, because losing or breaking an mp3 player is the same as iTunes automatically erasing it.
Here, in detail, is why iTunes erases music.
In case you can't click the link:
How do I stop iTunes from erasing audio files from my iPod, iPhone, or iPad?
All audio files stored on an Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad may be erased when the device is connected to a new or recently reformatted computer or hard drive. This is because the contents of the iPod, iPhone, or iPad correspond to audio files added to the iTunes music library on the first computer it is ever connected to. When the device is connected to a different computer running iTunes, all stored audio files may be changed to match the computer's music library. This happens if you set the music synchronization to update automatically, or reset iTunes to its default settings; iTunes is set to synchronize automatically by default.
No dialog box that says "we're erasin' your stuff" -- I love how Apple users felt the need to LIE about that! Pathetic.
It's like you're willfully ignorant.
Here you go. Magic erasing.
Or you could just click on the "Transfer Purchases from "Narcc's iPhone" menu item in iTunes.
Yeah, then why there so many tutorials explaining in great detail how to copy music from your ipod to your computer? Did you think I pulled those steps out of my ass?
With every other mp3 player, it's as simple as copying a file. With apple, it's a whole production.
While I have you, I thought I'd educated you about that erasing thing you don't seem to understand: Get a clue here: http://lifehacker.com/105256/how-to-copy-songs-from-your-ipod-to-your-pc
Pay particular attention to this line
Connect the iPod to your PC. If iTunes starts syncing (ie erasing) your music automatically, hit the X in the upper right hand corner of iTunes display, to the left of the search box, to stop it.
There are many ways your music can "magically disappear" with other MP3 players. Doing a select all then hitting delete for example would be the equivalent of answering yes to a dialog that said it's going to wipe your iPod.
First, the dialog that says "we're going to sync to an empty library and erase all your music" DOESN'T EXIST. Well, as far as I can tell. I've been looking and I've found no evidence.
Further, navigating to a directory, selecting all the items, holding shift while pressing delete, and then clicking okay on the dialog box IS NOT EQUIVALENT to just simply clicking okay on a dialog box.
As the existence of this dialog box on iTunes is in serious doubt, I'd say that it's a simple matter of plugging it in and having your music erased. That is the experience that is being reported.
And no, users aren't turning to the ipod because it's better -- they're turning to it because they think it's better. Of course, doing anything simple, like copying a song from one device to another, is a nightmare.
Just one example, back when my wife was in college, I bought her an mp3 player (2004 or so?) she shared an apartment with a couple other girls, who were envious of her new toy. Her room mate, not to be out done, bought an iPod (they're the best, right?)
Well, it took my bride-to-be all of 15 minutes to copy her music form her computer to her mp3 player. Her room mate, on the other hand, spent three hours setting the thing up, from iTunes to apple id. She never did manage get a song on the thing. It was returned.
Easiest to use? The best? Please.
You could do all of that yourself, or you could use one of the many music management programs that are smaller, less resource intensive, and easier to use than iTunes.
The horror that is iTunes is a reason to avoid apple products, not a selling point!
One minor task that may be slightly easier? Ignoring that there are several third-party applications that let you copy cd's to your ipod, and all the other music manager that do the exact same thing, isn't that like saying riding a bicycle from NY to CA is easier than driving a car because you don't have all the hassle of seatbelts?
Apparently, I missed the part where he was wiping the OS on the computer. Still, this should have been obvious from my first post. His illiteracy is not a reflection on my technical competence.
So, if there are no advantages, why should I choose Apple?
I can do less and need to use the horror that is iTunes.
In your first post, you claim: "The target audience are people that want things to work without a whole lot of hassle for them."
Apple causes MORE hassle, not less. That was the point. I'm so sorry that you missed it.
Which users could do easily, if they could copy music from their iPod to another device.
Just because Steve doesn't want you to use your device that way doesn't me it's not a perfectly legitimate use.
Seriously, only Apple could get away with this crap.
You clicked yes on the dialog that says, "Hey, I'm going to delete the stuff on your iPod. Do you want me to do this?"
Prove that such a dialog exists. I did a bit of searching and was unable to find anything about this mysterious dialog that says "hey, this library is empty, do you still want to sync?"
Of course, it's not "my fault" as it's never happened to me. I use good products, not apple products.
Simply making things bigger doesn't make something a tablet. And part of what the iPad has done is to encourage tablet specific apps, ones that make use of the extra screen real estate.
So ... making things bigger doesn't make it a tablet, okay. Encouraging people to make apps which take advantage of a bigger screen is what makes something a tablet. Okay, I'll play along. How did Apple encourage tablet specific aps.
Oh, they made the screen bigger.
As can I. In fact, I can eliminate the whole player aspect and do it all in iTunes. Or just navigate to, and copy/move/burn, any and all items in the folders where the originals are kept. Actually, I just click on the aliases of those folders I have on the desktop to get at the files.
So, what's the advantage of Apple here? So far, you haven't listed a single one that isn't equally true of other offerings. That's the entire point.
Better in what way?
Technical specifications, features, both hardware and software, and capability.
If that's not your cup of tea, I could point you to thinner, lighter, and faster options. I believe I could even make a convincing argument for ease-of-use (though that's much more subjective).
Remember: Popularity is not in any way an indication of quality or utility.
Umm...you're not very good with computers, are you?
Hey, they're your idiotic list of steps.
Here, I'll repost them so that you can see how stupid they make you look:
1) Wipe iPod and enable for disk use.
2) Back up music library before reinstalling OS.
3) Drag music files back into iTunes.
4) Go on with life.
Go on, read them. You actually wrote that. Think long and hard about why it makes no sense.
"Huh, my computer doesn't recognize the player as a storage device. Oh, now I see why the tiny label claimed it was "optimized" (or whatever word they used) for Windows, it requires some random proprietary "driver" that also adds some sort of extension to explorer.exe". I even found one where the "driver" converted all your music to wma, you know, just because.
You really should upgrade from Windows 98 -- at least install 98se on there, you'll avoid the proprietary driver issue.
Not to mention a couple of brand-name mp3 players I've owned (as in, non-Apple but still from a larger manufacturer) where you could just copy files after installing their driver but the music would only show up in and be played from the player's weird file manager.
Please, outside of one Sony player (and they never play by the same rules) I've never found this to be the case. From Sandisk to RCA, just about every non-Apple MP3 player works just like any other USB flash drive.
The only company that I know requires you to use some weird file-manager is Apple.
Seriously, I defy you to go out and buy a non-apple MP3 player that doesn't just connect like a flash drive. Scrounge around the nastiest Chinese knock-off websites for the most generic player you can find. I guarantee you'll be able to plug it in and use it like a flash drive.
All I have to do is drop the folder onto the iTunes icon and walk away, knowing that when I drop the iWhatever into its cradle, the transfer is automatic.
Okay, move the goal post, it won't make a difference.
Hey, I can use one of many different music management programs to do the exact same thing -- the only difference, of course, is that I'm completely in control over the content of my device.
I can add or remove stuff without using crappy bloatware. I can copy the contents of my player to my phone, another computer, or make backups onto a dvd, or, or, or.
My point, which you still don't get, is that you're gaining absolutely nothing in terms of ease-of-use by picking Apple over another mp3 player vendor. In fact, depending on the task, you'll have a more difficult time with the Apple product!
unless you're trying to rip music off someone else's idevice that you have not purchased, there's no reason to *need* to do what you are complaining about.
I can think of a few reasons. Just off the top of my head: You want to use linux, you want a backup of your music that isn't dependent on iTunes, you finally got sick of itunes and want to use a different program or want to manage your music manually, I could go on.
This is all beside the point. The GP wrote "Is there some secret rule that says you can't get your data out?"
The answer is a resounding "yes". With any other mp3 player, or any non-apple smartphone, getting at my data is straight-forward. On Apple, it's a whole production. If Apple had their way, you wouldn't be able to pull your music off at all.
Okay, so ... you want me to backup the backup I have on my computer before installing the OS on a totally different, and now wiped device?
That suddenly makes more sense?
Since when?
You should this new thing called a "search engine".
After that date all phone manufactures all of a sudden were scrambling to make something similar as they realised that Apple didn't just make a phone like they did, which they could compete against like they were used to. Apple was miles ahead and they were scrambling desperately to catch up as Apple had just eaten their lunch and was after their dinner as well.
Seriously? Other manufactures were *already* making iPhone-like phones when Apple entered the game. Besides, did you use that piece of garbage that was the first iPhone? It was barely usable, and lacked many basic features common to low-end dumb-phones.
The iPhone's initial success was driven completely by momentum. Had Motorola made the iPhone (identical in every respect), we'd be holding it up as an example of why you shouldn't release half-baked products.
Now the world's stuck with the usability nightmare that is the touch-screen phone. Just great.