anyone know a substitute for itunes?

[tigersaw]

Just dug out my old ipod mini, but I dont want to go to all the fuss and nonesence of installing itunes on my pc, is there an alternative or a different firmware, where I can just drag and drop mp3's using windows explorer?
I've had other mp3 players and it was that easy, dont see why the ipod shoud be so superior as to need its own software.

There isn't any afaik. But if you're concerned about having duplicate files on your computer you can set itunes default to mp3, then redirect any other music software to it. Besides, it's probably the best music software out there.

[tigersaw]

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Besides, it's probably the best music software out there.

It sucks because it has to be there at all.

Just been googling, seems itunes irritates a few, there are a few substitutes for itunes, but I hav'nt found a utility or plug in that allows me to simply drag and drop from explorer.

[tigersaw]

update - just found anapod explorer - http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/

looks just like I was looking for, anyone tried it?

Try yamipod...I used it once before and it worked fine. Allows dragging and dropping etc etc...even allows you to take stuff from some elses ipod

I don't use it anymore so not sure how it all works these days as I'm happy with itunes...

http://www.yamipod.com/main/modules/home/

[northwind]

Originally Posted by tigersaw

I've had other mp3 players and it was that easy, dont see why the ipod shoud be so superior as to need its own software.

Nah, when Apple put restrictions of use on their products that prevent you from doing things everyone else takes for granted, that's "Simplicity" It's a feature that's been designed out, not a feature they forgot to design in. This is why I like my Zen, it just works like you'd think, syncs with basically anything, drags and drops, detects without software as a removable drive... Just how it should be done really.

Anapod explorer is very good and Sharepod is OK with older iPods. Sharepod is free but anapod explorer isn't I have a version of anapod explorer that's "free". Drop me a PM if you're after it.

[tigersaw]

Originally Posted by Heed

Anapod explorer is very good and Sharepod is OK with older iPods. Sharepod is free but anapod explorer isn't I have a version of anapod explorer that's "free". Drop me a PM if you're after it.

Thanks for the offer - I'm trialling Anapod just now, its superb.

I can see the 'free' version out there too - but I may also give Yamipod a trial too as reccomended by GeeMac

i've got this

If I remember correctly, the reason I liked yamipod so much is that it ran off the ipod itself...no install or running anything on the PC. So you could simply plug in your ipod to any PC (make damn sure itunes ain't running or at least ensure it's sync option is unticked!!) and dump your mp3s out.