Try Anapod Explorer (http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/featpw.php). It adds the artist, genres, playlists, etc. to Windows Explorer where you can drag and drop your MP3s. One feature I love is that it can step down the bit rate so you can store your music at a high-quality rate on your PC, but syncronize to your iPod at a lower quality to allow more songs. It's strictly for managing files and music. It does not have a built in player, nor can you rip music with it. It also does not maintain the play count between PC and iPod. Despite its shortcomings, I prefer it over iTunes.

Let me know if you discover a better alternative.
Regards,
Patrick

Hey Patrick,

I took your advice and downloaded the Anapod trial version and it seems to be exactly what I was looking for so I owe you a big thankyou. I am going to evaluate it for a bit before I part with any hard earned dosh but will probably post to my blog about my experiences.

Thanks,

Charlie

I am posting this to all IPod critical sites I can find as a preventative measure for anyone who may purchase one in the future...

If you purchase directly from Apple, DO NOT GET IT ENGRAVED!!! I went to order the 60GB Black and for some reason clicked the white one. I called to cancel and they said it shipped already and there was nothing they could do since it was personalized. I find it hard to believe that they can't change the face, but then again, I am seeing that Apple is enjoying their meteoric rise again sees no good reason to ficus on customer service.

Hi,

I found your post here through Google. I just got an orange 2G shuffle, and I found a really awesome program for it.

http://www.ishuffle.com.ar/

There's a drop-down at the top right to translate the site into English. It's a very small app that you run directly from your shuffle. You can organize your music however you like, and this will rebuild the shuffle's database to work with your file structure. This isn't my program or anything - I have just found it exceedingly useful.

I bough tan ipod, it died on me. I would strongly recommend a Trekstor Vibez. They solved most of the problems ipod had, and I really enjoy it. Look it up at jr.com

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