It’s not hard to imagine a home with more than one iPod – you may already live in one, or are thinking about it. But what if you all share just one computer? How do you handle multiple iPods on one computer?
The answer? Easily!
ITunes has no trouble managing multiple iPods regularly synced to the same computer. Here’s how to make it work:
Here's How:
When you set up each iPod, be sure to give each one a unique name. You’ll probably do this anyway, but just be sure.
When you set up the first iPod, make sure that the “manually manage music” option is checked. This will prevent iTunes from adding all songs to each iPod.
Next, create a playlist for each person’s iPod. Name the playlist with their name or something else clear and distinct. Do this by clicking the plus sign at the bottom left of the window and giving the playlist a descriptive name.
Drag the songs you want to add to the playlist. This way, everyone can be sure that they only get the music they want. When new songs are added to the computer, be sure to add them to the correct playlist.
Update your sync settings for each iPod. Plug each iPod in and go to the “music” tab of the iPod window. There, choose the button reading “selected playlists” and then check off the playlist for each iPod.
For instance, if you’ve created a playlist for your son, Jimmy, select the playlist called Jimmy to sync only that music to his iPod when he connects it.
Click “Apply” at the bottom of the window. Repeat this for everyone with an iPod in the house and you’ll be all set to use multiple iPods on one computer!
Lastly, go back to the main page and uncheck manually manage music. Now each iPod will be automatically synced to its playlist each time it’s connected.
