iPod Shuffles... - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

FlamesAddiction · 02-21-2006, 11:20 PM

...are the biggest pieces of crap on this planet. I got one of these as part of a Telus promotion, and it hasn't worked properly from day 1.

Every time I hook it up to my computer, run iTunes, and try updating my playlist, my computer crashes.

I checked the trouble-shooting guide on Apple's website, and they said to make sure that the software was updated - which I did. Then it said to try resetting the ipod - which I did. Then restore it - check. Then uninstall the software and re-install it. And then to restart my computer.

Then it says to do this 2 or 3 times!! Because, (and I quote); "Sometimes 3 times is the charm!!" Good Lord! What kind of company are they running!?

Anyway, I did all that 5 times since last night, and it is still doing it. I went onto their help forums and discovered that numerous people have had the same issue for months now and no one seems to know how to fix it.

To make a long story short - avoid these things at all cost. Don't even take one for free like I did. The stress of trying to make it work is not worth it!

Eastern Girl · 02-21-2006, 11:32 PM

Really? I got one for Christmas and I love it.

*knock on wood* but I haven't had problems with the setup or general usage of it.

STeeLy · 02-21-2006, 11:54 PM

I have never been a big fan of iPODs...

iPODs are for popular people... there are other ones that are better, its just that iPOD is the trend...

I remember at school... my friend who hated iPODs keeps calling the shuffles the iPOD Tampon.

Eastern Girl · 02-22-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STeeLy

I have never been a big fan of iPODs...

iPODs are for popular people... there are other ones that are better, its just that iPOD is the trend...

I remember at school... my friend who hated iPODs keeps calling the shuffles the iPOD Tampon.

thats what I thought about Ipods too, that they were just a trend. I was pretty happy with my MP3 player, so I was pretty leery about the ipod nano that my mom got me, but I really do like it. It's sleek looking... the ipod shuffles does look like a tampon though... i will give you that.

kermitology · 02-22-2006, 08:52 AM

I've had a shuffle for a year now. Haven't really had too many problems with it. My computer is more of the problem that I was having with it. I love it for working out.

sclitheroe · 02-22-2006, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

...are the biggest pieces of crap on this planet. I got one of these as part of a Telus promotion, and it hasn't worked properly from day 1.

Every time I hook it up to my computer, run iTunes, and try updating my playlist, my computer crashes.

Riiiight...blame what's essentially a memory stick (I own one, and that's all transferring files to it involves, even the "shuffle" mode is pre-calculated on the PC side and sent across) for your computer crashing.

Are you sure it's plugged into a USB2 port? I had an older PC that didn't have USB2, only USB1, and it didn't like talking to the iPod too much.

-Scott

FlamesAddiction · 02-22-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Riiiight...blame what's essentially a memory stick (I own one, and that's all transferring files to it involves, even the "shuffle" mode is pre-calculated on the PC side and sent across) for your computer crashing.

Are you sure it's plugged into a USB2 port? I had an older PC that didn't have USB2, only USB1, and it didn't like talking to the iPod too much.

-Scott

I'm sure it's plugged into the right port.

In fact, it has worked a couple of times for me in that port (out of the numerous times I tried it). I also tried it on my girlfriend's computer and it doesn't work.

Seriously, go onto the forums at Apple. This seems like a common problem for some people. After reading some threads, it appears that Apple did infact recall some Shuffles in December because of this issue.

On thing I am going to try that someone recommended on one of those threads, is to use Real Player instead of itunes. He said that worked for him.

KipperIsGod · 02-22-2006, 08:41 PM

I have the 30GB Ipod. It works great.

Ranchlander · 02-22-2006, 09:55 PM

People who don't know jack about technology buy ipods. Don't believe the hype.

FlamesAddiction · 02-22-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranchlander

People who don't know jack about technology buy ipods. Don't believe the hype.

Can you (or STeeLy) recommend a good alternative? I'm at the end of my rope with this one. It finally updated my playlist after umpteen tries. It's only the 3rd time it worked. It's completely random.

I contacted support directly, and they just replied with a link to their trouble-shooting page... which of course, I already knew about since I did find their email on the same page. Took 2 days just to get that reply.

I also want to stress that I did not buy this one. Heck, I didn't even really know what an iPod was until about 4 months ago. Heard of them, but didn't really know what they did.

Inferno · 02-23-2006, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Can you (or STeeLy) recommend a good alternative? I'm at the end of my rope with this one. It finally updated my playlist after umpteen tries. It's only the 3rd time it worked. It's completely random.

I contacted support directly, and they just replied with a link to their trouble-shooting page... which of course, I already knew about since I did find their email on the same page. Took 2 days just to get that reply.

I also want to stress that I did not buy this one. Heck, I didn't even really know what an iPod was until about 4 months ago. Heard of them, but didn't really know what they did.

Yeah, that would help me out too. I'm considering finally buying an MP3 player since I've gotten so used to playing music on my computer on shuffle that I would rather do that during trips than switching CDs.

I thought about an Ipod with all the hype it gets but then I started hearing some bad things about it screwing up alot. I really dont care whether or not it has the ability to put pictures or video on it since all I would be using it for is music during trips. I'd want something over 2 GB since right now my CD collection is about 1.5 GB and growing so I want something that will last me a while as far as space goes.

STeeLy · 02-23-2006, 01:04 AM

There are about a few things to really consider when you're looking at the mp3 player. One is the quality of music at high volumes (we all know how much we love that right?!?) I know I imported one from Hong Kong, 512 MB samsung, quality is amazing at the highest volume possible.

I use a Creative Lab Zen Micro right now, 5 or 6 GB (theres both, I have the 5) and I say the quality is decent - sells for around $230 - $280 (There is also a Zen Micro photo at 8 GB, about $320)

There is also a MP3 player called iRiver, I haven't had the time to try one yet but I know my friend who uses it and its also decent quality. 6 GB for around $270 - $300

KevanGuy · 02-23-2006, 02:29 AM

I've been pretty damn happy with my 512 Zen Nano Plus. Great sound from the stock headphones even at full volume. Easy to move songs over and it's got an FM radio, which is a nice touch. And it is only a little bigger then a thumb. All that for...$160 I think? I cant remember exactly.

Wookie · 02-23-2006, 02:52 AM

Why do so few or no MP3 Players come with AM radio? I'd like to be able to listen to hockey games rather then the crappy FM stations in Calgary if I'm not listening to mp3's and not able to watch the game..

STeeLy · 02-23-2006, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

I've been pretty damn happy with my 512 Zen Nano Plus. Great sound from the stock headphones even at full volume. Easy to move songs over and it's got an FM radio, which is a nice touch. And it is only a little bigger then a thumb. All that for...$160 I think? I cant remember exactly.

I have always liked Creative products. I haven't had a chance to even take a look at the Zen Nano Plus. but will definitely find time to check it out. And I think it is standard for any Zen line of mp3 players to come with FM radio, and Also, I believe it is easier to navigate than an iPOD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wookie

Why do so few or no MP3 Players come with AM radio? I'd like to be able to listen to hockey games rather then the crappy FM stations in Calgary if I'm not listening to mp3's and not able to watch the game..

I know... that totally sucks. I would at least like to listen to Peter Maher (he's the man) calling games when I am not at home

ricosuave · 02-23-2006, 07:20 AM

i have an ipod nano and my wife has the shuffle.

we have had absolutely zero problems with the setup or song tansfers.

it sounds like its a problem with your computer, not the shuffle or itunes itself.

and the stock headphones aren't very good (my wife doesnt have an ear for that) but ive upgraded to shures, and im thrilled with the sound from the nano.

rico

STeeLy · 02-23-2006, 07:36 AM

But my friend also had the same problem as he did... Except hers was recalled by Apple. They did find out that the problem wasn't the computer, it was the iPOD itself. However these telus ones could be those problematic ones... could be worth looking into....

Frank the Tank · 02-23-2006, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Can you (or STeeLy) recommend a good alternative? I'm at the end of my rope with this one. It finally updated my playlist after umpteen tries. It's only the 3rd time it worked. It's completely random.

I contacted support directly, and they just replied with a link to their trouble-shooting page... which of course, I already knew about since I did find their email on the same page. Took 2 days just to get that reply.

I also want to stress that I did not buy this one. Heck, I didn't even really know what an iPod was until about 4 months ago. Heard of them, but didn't really know what they did.

Ummmmm, take it back? Maybe you got a lemon.

Frank the Tank · 02-23-2006, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranchlander

People who don't know jack about technology buy ipods. Don't believe the hype.

Or people who prefer superior products from a better company....

STeeLy · 02-23-2006, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank the Tank

Or people who prefer superior products from a better company....

I don't think, in my opinion, apple is a better company than other companies out there. Though Mac computers are becoming more widespread and the iPOD is getting a lot of popularity. Product quality is not however superior than many others... obviously, there are other products from various company that are worse than iPODs, but there are also that are around the same and may be better than iPODs.

If Creative were to invest more money into advertising Zens... I would think that they would have more popularity than iPODs at this point, and the FM radio is also an advantage if they need news or traffic reports on the go without having to get into a car first to decide which route to take home but make the decisions before you even get out of the office.