iPod & iTunes: The Missing Manual, Fourth Edition

The iPod’s Address Book Settings

Once you get your contacts on the iPod, you can sort them in either of two ways. To change the order in which your contacts appear on the iPod screen, choose Settings → Contacts using the iPod’s menus. You’ll see settings for Sort and Display. The Sort setting tells the iPod how to internally organize the names in the list; you can choose to have them sorted alphabetically according to either the person’s first or last name. The Display setting tells the iPod how to show the names on the screen; you can opt to list your contacts alphabetized by either first or last name:

• Alphabetically by last name. Choose the Sort → Last, First option, which lists the entries like this: Simpson, Bart.

• Alphabetically by first name. If you prefer to see the names of your contacts listed like this—Bart Simpson—then select the sorting setting of “First Last” for the Display option.

The best part is that even if you choose this second option, the contacts can still be alphabetized by last name. Just select “First Last” for your Display setting and “Last, First” for the Sort setting.

If you prefer the first-name basis approach, you can pick “First Last” for both the Display and Sort options. This will alphabetize and list all your contacts by the first letter of the first name, which means Bart Simpson will come before Ned Flanders in your contacts list.

Tip

Be sure to select the same sorting style for the Display option. Otherwise, your list will have all the last names ...