I came across reference to a Python-based program called "iPod shuffle Database Builder" that claims to allow you to use the Shuffle without iTunes management. You do need to connect the shuffle once to iTunes to initialize it, set it to disk mode, and have it create an iPod-Control directory, but afterwards you interact with the device like a USB flash device through the folder structure.
Here's some of the description: "This little program enables iPod shuffle users to finally get rid of all that iTunes or other complicated playlist management stuff. Due to the simple structure of the shuffle (compared to the »big« iPods), it is possible to use the player almost like any other USB flash MP3 player: You simply copy MP3 files onto it. You only need to run the Database Builder program after you added or removed files from the iPod. This approach has numerous benefits: You don't need iTunes, ml_ipod or GNUpod anymore. Simply copy some MP3 files into the iPod volume and start this teensy 8k program. You aren't restricted to store your music in the /iPod_Control/Music subdirectory. Build your own directory and filename structure. You may use the iPod on as many computers as you want. The actual iTunes database is left untouched, your iPod should still work with iTunes, if you like." There may be something more recent that Saqib can suggest; this is dated June 2005. Files play in alphabetical order, so you could have a folder of mp3 files with subfolders named "001 Podcasts", with different podcasts in sub-folders named "01", "02", etc. to enforce the play order, then have a folder named "0002 Music", etc. The source code is at the sourceforge web page: http://shuffle-db.sourceforge.net/ There is also a language lab web page that uses the shuffles with this code, and which includes a link to an AppleScript that transfers playlist files to the Shuffle. The web page is at: http://www.manythings.org/shuffle/ (It includes some figures that are not accessible, which you can skip). Hope this is of interest. Cheers, Esther On Saturday, March 04, 2006, at 01:09PM, Scott Howell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Here's my take on ITunes and Ipods. First there's obviously ways to >work with Itunes and I do really need to spend some more time with >it, but for those using Windows, they seem to be having a little >easier time working with Itunes and getting music to the Ipod >Shuffle. >Scott
