If you own an iPod, you’re faced with a problem: it seems that nothing works without iTunes. However, that isn’t actually true. In this practical tip, we’ll explain what alternatives are available and what limitations you’ll need to accept.
iTunes – What alternatives are there?
First things first: essentially, none of these alternatives are real competitors to iTunes; they’re simply programmes that let you transfer songs to and from your iPod. This means you don’t have to use the resource-hungry iTunes. If you want a comprehensive, stylish music manager and you have an iPod, it might still be the better choice to use iTunes. This is because it also gives you access to the iTunes Store.
CopyTrans Manager – an iTunes alternative for the iPod?
The “CopyTrans Manager” programme, which is only about 8 MB in size, can do everything you need to manage your iPod. If you find iTunes too bloated, this tool is a good alternative. You can transfer songs, photos, videos or apps, edit playlists and even create a backup of your apps in IPA format.
- It consists solely of an EXE file and is therefore portable.
- Portable means you don’t need to install anything; you can simply run the programme. This means you can also copy the tool onto your iPod, so you always have it to hand.
- Launch “CopyTrans” and then connect your iPod to your PC via USB.
- All your songs and playlists will now appear automatically. You can simply add songs using drag and drop.
SharePod – easily copy songs from your iPod
For copy protection reasons, Apple does not allow you to simply copy songs from your iPod to your PC. A handy little tool provides a solution:
- Alternatively, with the freeware SharePod, you can use your iPod without iTunes.
- Like CopyTrans Manager, SharePod allows you to copy songs to and from your iPod. Backing up the device is also no problem.
- The programme’s interface is clear and self-explanatory. The tool is portable, so you only need the EXE file. Please note that the programme will only start if the iPod is already connected to your PC via USB.
- Since version 4.0, Sharepod is no longer free but is now shareware, meaning there is a charge (around 20 US dollars). However, you can still use the free version 3.99.
