New iPods don't work with SP2? (vanity)

12-27-09

[library user]

Please pardon the vanity ... just wanted to ask a question for a person who got an iPod Nano for Christmas. She can't use her iPod with her iTunes since (apparently) the newer iPods need to use SP3 (XP is her OS).

And she can't update Windows to SP3 for the following reason: she bought the computer from a local PC discount store, which has long since gone out of business, and about 3-6 months ago started getting a message that her Windows is not legit (pop-up in the lower-right corner of the screen).

She said Microsoft wants $149.99 to update to SP3. Is there any workaround? Would something like Foobar2000 or MediaMonkey or Winamp, etc. work with the newest iPods?

Of course, I think the obvious (and best) answer is for her to get genuine MS software on her PC, before anything else. However, is that the only solution? Or is there something else in the meantime to at least get some music on it?

Thanks for any tips, humor, condescension, etc.

[concentric circles]

One alternative would be to return the ipod to a national retailer for store credit. Purchase a non-apple mp3 player and download music without apple’s restrictions.

[tfecw]

I’d try with an alternative to iTunes first (They exist just need to dig around for them). That should at least get you music on it.