iPod and iTunes: The Missing Manual, Third Edition

iSync Meets iPod

Part of iSync’s charm is its ability to keep your iPod in perfect harmony with iCal and Address Book—and you don’t have to export, drag, or drop a thing.

To use the dynamic duo of iSync and iPod, you need version 1.2 or later of the iPod system software, which shouldn’t be a problem if you’ve bought an iPod since the spring of 2003. (For those who haven’t updated their older iPods lately, you can download Apple’s most current version at http://www.apple.com/ipod/download.)

Once you’ve installed iSync, connect your iPod to the Mac with the FireWire cable and then start up iSync. In iSync, choose Devices → Add New Device. The iSync program looks around to see what compatible items are connected to the Mac.

When iSync has located your iPod, it invites you to drag the icon into the iSync window to add it to the team (Figure 11-2).

Figure 11-2. Top: When you first open iSync, it doesn’t “see” the iPod.Bottom: But once iSync has looked around and found your iPod, you can add it to the brushed-metal toolbar by dragging its icon—or by simply double-clicking it.

Now the iSync window expands so that you can set up the synchronization process (Figure 11-3). (You can also expand the iSync window by clicking any of the device icons.)

In the expanded iSync window, turn on the synchronization function. This is also your opportunity to decide whether you want iSync to update your iPod ...