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#1 2006-06-07 6:00 am
- tomfoolery
- Zu-Zu-Zune!
- From: Blue Zune of Death
- Registered: 2004-10-22
- Posts: 2303
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iPod format
Can anyone direct me to a summary of (or failing that briefly explain) the pros and cons of having your iPod formatted for Mac or Windows?
I just got a 4GB mini and its formatted for Windows. I would like to decide what is the "best" option before I start putting stuff on it.
Sorry if this has already been asked (it surely must have), but I couldn't immediately find it and am pressed for time.
Thanks a lot,
tF
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#2 2006-06-07 7:44 am
- its DLANTZ again....
- ...grinding 2 a HALT!
- From: Ontario, Canada
- Registered: 2002-12-20
- Posts: 881
Re: iPod format
With a windows formatted iPod, you can use it under windows or any Mac, since Macs can natively read Windows formatted disks (Fat 32 and NTSF). A Mac formatted iPod can only be used with a Mac because Windows cannot natively read HFS and HFS+ formatted disks without installing extra software.
The downside is that you must have access to a computer that matches the format of your disk (Windows or Mac), so that you may be able to install, update or restore your iPod.
My personal preference? I format mine for windows. Although my main computer is a Mac, I do own a PC running WinXP that has the latest iPod software on it. I have had absolutely NO problems using this setup.
"he who knows not and knows not he knows not, he is a fool, SHUN HIM!"
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#3 2006-06-07 9:04 am
- tomfoolery
- Zu-Zu-Zune!
- From: Blue Zune of Death
- Registered: 2004-10-22
- Posts: 2303
- Website
Re: iPod format
Excellent, thanks very much.
tF
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#4 2006-06-07 10:08 am
- Kendall
- Member
- From: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Registered: 1999-03-25
- Posts: 1109
Re: iPod format
If you want a second opinion, I agree with formatting it for Windows. I felt dirty when I did my Nano that way but I eventually got over it. This way it works as a kick-ass USB drive, too, for both Windows and OS X.
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#5 2006-06-07 10:37 am
- tomfoolery
- Zu-Zu-Zune!
- From: Blue Zune of Death
- Registered: 2004-10-22
- Posts: 2303
- Website
Re: iPod format
All opinions welcome 
Thanks,
tF
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#6 2006-06-07 6:43 pm
- MacBoy4139
- BHA
- From: Big Hair Anonymous
- Registered: 2000-10-31
- Posts: 10911
Re: iPod format
A con not mentioned is that OS X will write slower to a FATxx partition than an HFS+ one. Another one is random reports of the iPod minis being unstable with the FAT formatting, but that is debatable.
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I'm still trying to figure out if you're a girl posing as Macboy4139, or a boy posing as a girl, and a bit confused sexually. <shrug> laughinol
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#7 2006-06-08 11:49 pm
- jayster
- Member
- From: Dallas
- Registered: 2005-03-12
- Posts: 52
Re: iPod format
I didn't know you could use a fat32 formatted ipod on a mac.
I had my first ipod before my first mac and when we bought the mac and I hooked it up it made me format it before I could use it.
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#8 2006-06-09 12:41 pm
- tomfoolery
- Zu-Zu-Zune!
- From: Blue Zune of Death
- Registered: 2004-10-22
- Posts: 2303
- Website
Re: iPod format
MacBoy4139 wrote:
A con not mentioned is that OS X will write slower to a FATxx partition than an HFS+ one. Another one is random reports of the iPod minis being unstable with the FAT formatting, but that is debatable.
Its only a 4GB though, so unless there's a huge difference in the write speed, I doubt I'd notice it. Plus I have to backup at work on a USB 1.1 external DVD-RW, so I'm used to s-l-o-w things 
As for the stability issue, that's a bit more of a concern. However all my music's backed-up, so unless it will actually fubar the 'pod, then I'm happy taking the risk.
Can't believe how long I limped-along with my Shuffle. This thing is awesome, and a great bargain at £60 methinks. Turns out to be a 2005 2nd gen mini, with not a single scratch, which is a nice bonus.
tF
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