Hands-On Report--Apple iPod Software v1.2

is available for download. iPod Software 1.2 adds significant enhancements and new features to iPod. Some features require iTunes 3 or later. To get the latest version of iTunes, go to this web page.

Changes since 1.1:

* Audio playback and user interface improvements
* Browse music by additional categories, including albums, genres, and composers
* Support for iTunes 3 Sound Check, which automatically adjusts for drastic differences in volume between different songs for a more consistent listening experience
* Calendar -- display industry standard iCalendar appointments and alarms
* Clock -- view the date and time
* Connection feedback on the iPod screen, indicating when it's safe to unplug the FireWire cable
* Support for Audible™ audiobooks and audio programs

The download is an ipod.pkg file that when run installs the updater in the following location: /Applications/Utilities/. If your iPod requires updating, the iPod Software Updater will run the next time you plug in your iPod and iTunes is launched.

We had difficulty updating our Rev.A 10 GB iPod. The 1.2 updater kept dismounting our iPod before updating it. We tried a new download of the updater on a different Mac but got the same result. So we had to cancel the automatic update and use the "Restore" button to update to v1.2. Of course, doing so erased our songs, contacts, preferences and Mac OS X 10.1.5 installation. All but Mac OS X 10.1.5 were easily and quickly restored from iTunes 3 and Microsoft Entourage. We have 10.1.5 on our iPod because it serves as our backup drive when we travel.

Version 1.2 adds a clock and a calendar. The clock was easy to set but we haven't used the calendar function yet. It also adds a useful screen reminder to dismount the iPod before disconnecting it if FireWire disk mode is enabled in the iPod's preferences. The universal circle with a slash though it along with the words "Do Not Disconnect" appear on the iPod's screen until the iPod is ejected or it's icon is dropped in the trash. Then a checkmark appears along with the okay to disconnect.