The Bottom Line
IRip is a powerful and simple iPod to computer transfer program. The latest version, 2.0, adds some terrific features--including the ability to transfer iBooks files--but strangely takes steps back compared to its previous version on speed and bugs in transfers. Until its developer addresses these issues, I'd stick with iRip 1.6.2.
Developer
The Little App Factory
Version
2.0.2
Works With
All iPods
iPhone
iPad
Pros
- Simple, smooth transfer process
- Can move iBooks files
- Moves photos, podcasts, videos
Cons
- Slower than some competitors - 16 minutes to transfer 2.41 GB
- Slower than previous version by 7 minutes
- Doesn't show which songs are in iTunes and which aren't
- Failed to transfer song ratings
Description
- Software designed to transfer iPod to computer
- Works on Mac (PC coming in 2011)
- Price: US$24.95
- This review used the Mac OS X version
Guide Review - iRip, iPod to Computer Transfer Software
Version 2.0 of iRip is a curious beast in that it's not as good as its predecessor, version 1.6.2. While it adds some really nice features that aren't available in every iPod to computer transfer program, these new shortcomings make the earlier version the stronger one.
In many ways, iRip 2.0 presents itself much like other programs that perform the same tasks. You plug your iPod, iPhone, or iPad into a computer running iRip, it scans the contents of your device, and you can then transfer files to the iTunes library running on that computer. Like iTunes, iRip breaks down the content on the device by type, showing music, podcasts, books, photos, and videos in its left-hand column. Clicking each items displays what files of that kind are available for transfer.
The transfer process is simple: select the items you want to move and choose to send them to iTunes or a folder. It's performing these transfers, though, where the negative changes in iRip 2.0 become apparent. Transferring 2.41 GB (590 songs) in iRip 1.6.2 took just 9 minutes and successfully moved the songs and their metadata, such as album art, playcounts, and ratings. In iRip 2.0, however, the same transfer took 16 minutes and failed to transfer ratings--definitely a deficiency.
On the plus side, the new version can transfer iBooks files, even ones with DRM, which is a feature not available in many other iPod to computer transfer programs, so that's a welcome new feature.
It's a shame that iRip 2.0 adds bugs and slowness as compared to its previous version, since it's a pretty solid tool otherwise (my only other major feature request would be a way to tell at a glance which songs on the iPod aren't also in the iTunes library). The actual transfer process is simple and comprehensive. Addressing speed and the other shortcomings in the next version will make iRip a substantial option for users.
