Fun iPod Tricks


An iPod is more than just a music player; it's an Information device. Not only can you use your iPod to play music from your favorite singer or band, you can use it to listen to radio recordings, listen to "audio weblogs" (known as podcasts), and more. In this article I'll show you some tips for getting the most out of your iPod. I'll also explain how to manipulate the files stored on your iPod.


Tip #4 -- Working with Music Files on your iPod


By default, iTunes will automatically update all songs and playlists in your iTunes Library. This is evident from the grayed-out song lists in iTunes (see Figure 9).


Figure 9. The iPod playlist in iTunes.


There are times when you would want to free up some space in your iPod. One way to delete unwanted songs in iPod is to delete the songs in the iTunes Library and synchronize your iPod with iTunes again. However, you might want to keep the songs in your Mac and only delete them on the iPod.


Deleting Songs on your iPod


One way to solve this problem is to change the sync option in iPod from automatic to manual. Right-click on your iPod's name in iTunes and select iPod Options... (see Figure 10).


Figure 10. Configuring iPod's options.


Select the "Manually manage songs and playlists" option and click OK (see Figure 11).


Figure 11. Changing the iPod's update option.


You should now notice that your iPod playlist in iTunes is selectable. Select the song(s) you want to delete and press the Del key on your keyboard. You should now be able to delete the songs on your iPod (see Figure 12).


Figure 12. Deleting songs from your iPod directly.


Source: Wei-Meng Lee, Mac Dev Center