Useful internet software, websites and blogsites.: Best iPod-compatible iTunes alternatives

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Best iPod-compatible iTunes alternatives

via The Download Blog: Software tips, news, and opinions from Download.com editors by Donald Bell on 11/20/08

For better or worse, buying an iPod also means committing to Apple's iTunes software. Apple's seamless combination of hardware, software, and online store has made it many fans, but for some folks, the iTunes way of doing things feels unbearably confining.

If you love your iPod, but can't stand being tied to iTunes, there are some compelling and capable Mac and PC iTunes alternatives that can sync with your iPod. Depending on your iPod model, you'll probably still need to keep iTunes around for firmware updates, video purchases, games, and some advanced features (calendar syncing, for instance), but there's no reason you can't sync your music and podcasts using a different program.

Each of the following media jukeboxes has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This list isn't meant to be comprehensive (by all means, add your own suggestions in the comments section), I'm just taking an opportunity to highlight my personal favorites. Also, every application listed here is free, so there's no reason not to try them all and see what sticks.

Media Monkey is a control freak's dream come true.

Media Monkey
http://www.mediamonkey.com/
(Download Media Monkey from Download.com)

Ideal user: File hoarders, control freaks, meticulous taggers, boutique format users (FLAC, Ogg), people with messy collections.

Pros

Ideal for large, scattered collections
Advanced tagging features and auto tagging
Supports iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G
Copy songs from iPod to computer
Album art lookup
Skinnable
Podcast catcher
Plug-ins
Generate HTML reports

Cons

Overwhelming for nontech users
Doesn't manage videos
No Mac version
Folder monitoring requires upgrade to Gold ($20)

Like Floola, SharePod launches directly from your iPod and offers utilitarian control over managing and backing up your iPod's tunes.

SharePod
http://www.getsharepod.com/
(Download SharePod from Download.com)

Ideal user: Anyone lacking administrative rights on a work or loaner computer who wants a basic way to manage and backup their iPod without installing an application.

Pros

Launches directly from your iPod
iPhone and iPod Touch compatibility
Copy songs from iPod to computer
Advanced tagging capabilities
Basic video management
Exports iPod contents to iTunes (including ratings and playlists)
Drag-and-drop operation
Friendly GUI for the technologically timid
Backs up and restores your entire iPod

Cons

Windows only
No podcast management
No CD ripping or burning
No photo import
Too basic for demanding users

Ten years of development has made Winamp an impressive iTunes adversary.

Winamp
http://www.winamp.com/
(Download Winamp from Download.com)

Ideal user: Perfect for people who crave lots of features and flexibility from their jukebox. Especially good for Internet radio fans.

Pros

Tons of integrated streaming radio channels (shoutCast, AOL, CBS)
Multiple folder monitoring
Flash video support
Multiple language support
Auto-tagging function for cleaning up your music collection
Ability to stream music collection remotely
Skins and plug-ins
Copies media from iPod to computer
Visualizer
Built-in Web browser
Podcast lookup and catcher
Song recommendations
Album art lookup

Cons

You'll need to upgrade to Winamp Pro ($20) for speedy and flexible ripping, burning, and encoding
Overwhelming layout (not everyone wants to fiddle with skins)
Deep features may confuse some users
No photo management
No Mac version