August 21, 2004

Curious George iPod alternatives: Anyone have a non-iPod mp3 player, or use non-iTunes software on their iPod? I need my music to stay organized into folders, and iTunes doesn't like that. (More inside)

So I have spent a lot of time organizing my mp3 collection into folders and heirarchies. This works great with Winamp, as I can just click a folder to add it to a playlist. I just got an iPod, however, and I have several problems with iTunes. I really just want to copy my folders as they are from my PC, and create playlists the way I do in Winamp. (Add folders x, y, and z to playlist) Can anyone recommend a portable mp3 player with software capable of this? Alternately, does anyone know iPod software capable of this? Am I the only one that doesn't want mp3s automatically organized by genre and artist? :)

posted by agropyron 20 years ago
  • This site has a pretty good list of portable players at just about any price point, complete with features and spec sheets.
  • Under Preferences->Advanced, there's an option that says "Keep iTunes Music Folder Organized". Turn that off. That will keep things on the hard drive the way you want them. Mind you, iTunes will still let you view your music by genre, artist, album, song title, etc. Also, if you add them to your music collection one folder at a time, and drop them into playlists into iTunes as you method of importing, that's the easiest way to get them from your folder structure into playlists. If you drag something that's already in your library folders into a playlist, it won't duplicate them in your library. I hope that helps.
  • I have a Rio Karma, which I like lots, but it organizes the music by ID3 tags only. I believe iRiver's player will allow you to keep the directory structure on the player itself, though. Plus it has fun stuff like recording. You might check out DAPReview for more info.
  • i have an iRiver iFP-180 and i can't really recommend it. you can indeed organize by folders, but the software that comes with it is inconvenient, i hate the user interface of the player itself, and the whole thing seems flimsy (mine has been held together by duct tape since the week after i bought it.) while it was relatively inexpensive, i wish i'd sprung for something more like a Rio. or an iPod. :) i hope you find a better solution than this.
  • Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I found an alternative to iTunes that lets me do basically everything I want on my PC, then transfer stuff to the iPod organized how I like it. :) I can cling to my precious folder structure, and shun iTunes. :) http://redchairsoftware.com/anapod/
  • Although I do wish the iPod had the five preset buttons that the Neuros brags of.. I'd love one-touch access to playlists.
  • Repeating, BUT: iTunes DOES allow you to do just what you want it to.
  • what sandspider and dear forky said.
  • Yes, absolutely Anapod. I use the Dell DJ equivalent and it's well worth the cost, plus Red Chair releases updates with new functionality on a near-monthly basis.
  • forks: I did say I disliked iTunes for several reasons. ;) Anapod's a lot faster, with a slicker interface and more features. Imho, of course. Thanks though, and thanks again for the help everyone.