Ipod directory format

[essexguy]

I have an Ipod photo, which is nice. I used to have an Iriver H120, which was also nice.

To put mp3's on the Iriver one had to copy files directly onto the device through explorer. This was useful as I have a complex directory structure which makes navigating to any single track simple. The Iriver keeps the directory structure and uses it to locate tracks when on the go.

The ipod is let down by the fact that every single album finds itself in one place, under albums, in alphabetical order. No longer sorted out into events, artists, genres, and subdivided furthur into each category. All I get is 3000 mp3 files of 300 albums in one place.
I used itunes and CDDB to encode most of my CD's so the only genre information is either Unclassifiable or Electronica/Dance (60/40 split)
Going through all 3000 tracks and adding my own genre info to each seems like far too much effort, but looks like my only solution!

Does anyone know of a way that I can make my ipod read the directory structure of mp3's written to it as a hard drive?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any help you may be able to give, regards Dave.

[wonderboy2005]

That same problem pissed me off as well. Right now, I use a program called ephpod to put music on my ipod rather than itunes. It allows me to create a playlist for each directory of files I import. However, I don't think that it supports subdirectories, which is what it sounds like you need. Even so, you may want to check the program out. Its free, so it can't hurt.

[broadwayrock]

I think that most players that offer drag and drop will keep the directory structure where as players that require additional software to load music dont.

Unless apple give in and dont force itunes on users by giving new firmware i dont see any change.

You could always hope for some experienced crack group to create their own firmware (like whats happened with the iriver h120 series.)

[ccc1005]

Yup I would stick with the Iriver, i have the same h-120 and its works like a charm, so much better to be able to drag and drop instead of being forced to use a certain piece of software. The H-120 has more features than the Ipod anyway...

[broadwayrock]

I forgot, the unofficial iriver firmware creators are called Rockbox.

They're also working on a gameboy plugin called Rockboy:

[essexguy]

Thanks for ephpod Wonderboy.

It does make playlists for subfolders, but all playlists are under the playlist heading on the ipod. Now I can rummage through the 300 entries under albums, or the 300 entries under playlists!

Has anyone tried anapod? Claims to put an sql system on the ipod for locating files.

Does anyone know where I can get a new Epson S1D15E06 screen, as its the same spec as my Iriver's cracked one. I want to sell the ipod on eBay as soon as the Iriver is okay (if ever).

Cheers for looking.......

[CRLocky]

Having to use software like iTunes, or any of the other available ones out there, is something I absolutely hate about my iPod. Also not being able to go from iPod to PC in the same fashion. Though I did eventually find a way to save my mp3's I had on the iPod onto the new system I built, it's still a round about way, and it almost destroys every organised filename I had. So not only was the effort to organise my thousands of mp3's worthless, I have to do it all over again.

Drag and drop would be awesome. Does it go both ways? Can you drag from iHP-120 to the PC?

There are a shitload of options out there now, when I got my iPod it seemed just dandy...
Next time, I'll invest in a little more research, and patience will pay off.

[broadwayrock]

Can you drag from iHP-120 to the PC? yes

Apple and Sony are the only companies who do not allow users to take music from the player and put it back onto the pc.

[ccc1005]

Originally Posted by broadwayrock

Can you drag from iHP-120 to the PC? yes

Apple and Sony are the only companies who do not allow users to take music from the player and put it back onto the pc.

Thats why the Iriver players are far better than the Ipods, because they allow this. I had the stupid Samsung HDD player and was restricted to napster and ditched it after napster screwed up the hard drive.

The Ipod really doesn't have anything over the Iriver, and the Iriver iHP-120 has many more features (recording, fm tuner, etc)... I spend my money on features, not looks...

There are a shitload of options out there now, when I got my iPod it seemed just dandy...
Next time, I'll invest in a little more research, and patience will pay off.

Yup great idea, the iPod just gets so much publicity with the commercials etc that many people dont even know what else it out there.

On a side note, I dont get these Ipod minis at all, 4GB for $200??? I got my 20GB (ihp-120) for $300...

[CRLocky]

Originally Posted by ccc1005

On a side note, I dont get these Ipod minis at all, 4GB for $200??? I got my 20GB (ihp-120) for $300...

I agree! The iPod mini, for $200 bucks... just not worthit. All you're buying is a colorful case and maybe a reduction in size (but they all are small these days) and you're getting ripped on the storage space. Not worth it.

My 15GB iPod was $250, which is fair I guess, but it lacks in features and capabilities compared to most out there I'm sure.

[ccc1005]

Originally Posted by CRLocky

I agree! The iPod mini, for $200 bucks... just not worthit. All you're buying is a colorful case and maybe a reduction in size (but they all are small these days) and you're getting ripped on the storage space. Not worth it.

Exactly, why pay $50/GB instead of $15/GB just because it looks cool... hmmm

[essexguy]

it won't be long before you'll be able to get 4GB and 8GB ram chip players the size of a match box for a £100/£150

Sales of mini iPod's will plummet.

[Auggie2k]

There is also a plugin from winamp to add and extract songs from your ipod, plus you can make playlists for it!

http://www.winamp.com/plugins/details.php?id=138888

[essexguy]

I just got a relpy from the manufacturer of the screen I mentioned above. they do not accept single orders so will not help me. Any suggestions?

[quinnray]

Originally Posted by essexguy

I just got a relpy from the manufacturer of the screen I mentioned above. they do not accept single orders so will not help me. Any suggestions?

Dave,

I'm also looking for a replacement LCD for my iHP-120.
If you have any luck can you let me know ?
I contacted iriver by they told me it's not available.

Thanks,
Ray.