Is Using an iPod as a Primary Storage Device Safe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and practicality of using an iPod as a primary storage device for backing up files, particularly in the context of managing space on personal computers. Participants explore concerns about potential damage to the iPod, data management practices, and the reliability of using such devices for storage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether backing up files on an iPod could cause damage or errors, given that it will also be used as an MP3 player.
  • Others share their experiences, indicating that using the iPod for storage is feasible as long as certain precautions are taken, such as avoiding changes to the iPod_Control folder.
  • Some participants caution against using an iPod as a primary storage device, citing risks such as breakage, loss, and potential battery life reduction due to frequent syncing.
  • There are discussions about the iPod's functionality as a hard drive, with some suggesting it is more akin to a USB stick and not ideal for primary data storage.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of iPods as storage devices, with references to potential data loss from various risks, including viruses and physical damage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety and practicality of using an iPod as a primary storage device. While some advocate for its use with caution, others strongly advise against it due to various risks and limitations.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention several limitations and assumptions, such as the need for backups, the impact of battery usage on longevity, and the importance of file management practices. There is also a reference to the iPod's recognition by computers and the implications of syncing.

peejake
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Hey people,

I have a 20 Gig apple ipod and i have used 12 gigs of mp3's on it already..I have a lot of old videos that are stored on my computer that take up a lot of space...I thought of backing up these files on my ipod so that i could delete them from my computer and get more storage space...I know how to use my ipod as a hard drive as well (basically just got to copy and paste files as usual...So my question is...If i want to backup these files on to my ipod will this cause any damage to my ipod at all? Because i am going to use my ipod as an mp3 player as well as for storage...So would there be any damage or errors on my ipod?

Thanks

Jake:smile:
 
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Nah. I do the same thing. That's why I like it so much. Go on ahead.
 
Mickey said:
Nah. I do the same thing. That's why I like it so much. Go on ahead.

Cool...thanks for the reply..

Jake:cool:
 
make sure you don't save or change anything inside the iPod_Control folder, then it's all good as far as saving data to the ipod is concerned.
 
Anttech said:
make sure you don't save or change anything inside the iPod_Control folder, then it's all good as far as saving data to the ipod is concerned.

Ok thanks for that warning...will be careful...:-p

Jake
 
wish I had an I-pod...
 
iPod Repair

Just in case one needs to have an iPod repaired.

Repair shops sync up with broken iPods
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/09/01/PM200609017.html

Some entrepreneurs have come up with New York's latest cottage industry — iPod repair shops.
SCOTT JAGOW: A brand new 60-gig iPod costs 400 bucks. Multiply that times the 30 million iPods Apple has already sold this year and that's some cash cow. Apple's not the only one making money on these delicate devices. I mean, how many people break these things every day? Adam Allington has more.

ADAM ALLINGTON: What do you do when your $350, U2 Edition iPod breaks one week after the warranty is up? Buy a new one? That's seems to be what Apple would like you to do since the cost of sending an iPod in for repairs is often only marginally cheaper then buying a new one.

Mike Fuerstenberg makes his living off that cost ratio. He runs Portatronics, a small shop on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue where he repairs all things iPod.

Something to keep in mind if your iPod quits.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just don't put the files in the system folders of the iPod, put them in the main drive or in a separate folder that you create.
 
When you sync from IPOD to computer, the IPOD's battery gets used even it is on USB I think.

That may reduce the life expectancy of your battery and it may die sooner.
 
  • #10
manbush said:
When you sync from IPOD to computer, the IPOD's battery gets used even it is on USB I think.

That may reduce the life expectancy of your battery and it may die sooner.

So then the more you update your ipod the shorter the battery, i think not...

Also read this http://pinouts.ru/Devices/ipod_pinout.shtml

Its a pinout of the serial connector, there's usb 5v power in...
 
  • #11
A battery has a set number of recharges before it dies. That's why it's best to charge the IPOD when it's completely or near drained out.

When you connect through USB...it charges. Also it isn't viable to use as a HD...more like a USB stick perhaps.
 
  • #12
You can use an Ipod as an hdd though.
 
  • #13
When you connect an Ipod to a computer it opens iTunes up and then connects to it. A computer won't recognize an ipod that it isn't registerd to becasue of the auto update feature.
 
  • #14
Stevedye56 said:
You can use an Ipod as an hdd though.
But you want a backup somewhere, right? I mean, they're not indestructible.
 
  • #15
Obviously with all the viruses now, it was in response to an above post.
 
  • #16
Stevedye56 said:
Obviously with all the viruses now, it was in response to an above post.
Virii, EMPs, breakage, loss, theft, going through the laundry, whatever.

You don't want to be using an iPod as a primary storage device do you? That would be like to using a jump drive as a primary drive with your only copies of data on it...
 
  • #17
DaveC426913 said:
Virii, EMPs, breakage, loss, theft, going through the laundry, whatever.

You don't want to be using an iPod as a primary storage device do you? That would be like to using a jump drive as a primary drive with your only copies of data on it...


Well you could use it, just if you never brought it anywhere, but that would be pretty stupid. I always keep mine in my pocket so i know its there, never in a backpack, that's just asking for theft...
 

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