[Debby]

See, I learn something each day here! I actually tried to create categories years ago and haven’t tried since. Happy to see that has improved.

First, I am NOT bashing apple. I use a media server with apple TV’s, own ipads , itouchs, ipods and use an iphone. But, I am aware of the differences between them that have impacted my life. Please note that I have been a LONG time user and still continue to use iProducts in spite of the challenges. But, I am aware of the pitfalls and plan accordingly.

1. The connection cables do come with the product. Depending upon what you order you may not get a power adapter. Also, the power adapter/cable you have from a previous generation may not work with your new product. This has become such a problem in our home that I now immediately label each cable and power adapter as soon as it enters the house.

Itunes:
1. I do not find iTunes to be a great program. When your library grows large (media, books, music) it is not a great manager and lacks basic functionality that I expect. Customization is minimal – although there are a few add on programs that can help with cleaning and organizing. Calibre and Media Monkey offer it all. Just a small example, you purchase a series of books by an author. iTunes/iBooks does not include any series information. That means when you transfer your books to your iDevice, you will not have that information. Yes, you can go an MANUALLY edit each book title, but with a large library that is very time consuming. Calibre actually has a work around so you can import the information you desire to iTunes for transferring.

2. Syncing – that can be a challenge. Sometimes it works great other times you want to pull your hair out. There are a lots of explanations, iTunes doesn’t like this USB port, your operating system but the results is the dreaded error messages – such as 13019.

3. The challenges of using more than one computer. iTunes really doesn’t like you to sync your device with more than one computer and will wipe everything off your device when you sync to a different computer. Yes, there are work arounds for this, but they aren’t fool proof. For those that travel with laptops (such as our family) this can be a pain. Also, the issue of large library files on laptops – my library is too big for it all to be on my laptop. iTunes does not allow for managing this (that I am aware of).

4. You need to have a systemic way to backup you information on your iDevice. iTunes is not enough and has limitations. There is nothing more frustrating than when iTunes won’t recognize your device and in order to sync you must “restore and update” . You lose all your settings etc. Plan accordingly and use a 3rd party product to be safe before syncing.

5. File Structure – iTunes is one program where you need to understand how the file structure works. Backing up your library “files” may not be sufficient if you want to retain all your playlists and other items. This is especially important if you are not using the default location of the library. Backing up your library is necessary in case your hardrive dies or you decide replace your computer. Transferring your library to a new computer is not intuitive (although much better than in previous years) and is not as simple as coping your music from one location to another or pointing your new computer to the directory.

6. DRM – this is the only one on list that I do not have personal experience with since I refuse to buy books through them. iTunes uses a DRM that can’t be removed. Why should you care? Well, that book you bought can’t be transferred to the new Droid Tablet you just purchased. When I buy something I would like the flexibility to listen/read it on the device I am using. I became aware of this issue the hard way – right before a vacation my Cybook died and the all the books I had been collecting would not work on the new Sony that I rushed out to buy.