Windows 98SE and MC9?
I've been having a few (minor, on reflection) troubles with EphPod so I thought I would give MC9 a try. I've spent the last couple of hours installing it, reconfiguring my iPod to work with it, and experimenting.
A very frustrating couple of hours it has been.
MC9 has crashed on me 3 times, twice freezing my OS and forcing a hard reboot. When I *have* had it working, it seems very hit and miss interacting with my iPod. Some uploaded files show up on the iPod, not others. Also, in terms of UI it seems considerably less intuitive than EphPod (subjective point).
Finally, it doesn't seem to have resolved the problem I've been experiencing with EphPod, namely the failure of my iPod to recognise Composer tags.
All in all, not impressed. I've gone back to EphPod and I'm inclined to stay that way now until we get iTunes for Windows - unless someone can point to me where I might be going wrong? I read ashawley's very helpful guide to MC9 in detail before using it.
[1046 byte] By [
mintcake] at [2007-11-9 13:27:07]
# 1 Re: Windows 98SE and MC9?
First off, there is a learning curve with MC9. You gotta remember that it's not like ephpod. You're using a Media Player organizer etc. So what you're seeing is what's on the PC, not on the iPod (unless you're in iPod view of course).
I just throw that in because folks coming from ephpod are sometimes confused by that.
Also remember it does much more than sync for the iPod. Its core use is not iPod syncing. It does it very well IMO, but the core of MC9 is Media Management.
Now, onto your problems. Can't help you with the crashes. I've been using the 9.1.233 beta since it's been out and haven't had one crash. In fact, since 9.1 has been out I haven't had a crash.
Don't know what version you're on, 9.0 or the beta 9.1 but that might make a difference.
The key to syncing w/the iPod and MC9 IMO is to use Sync and not file upload. Syncing enables you to take advantage of Smartlists and I highly recommend making a Master iPod Smartlist as I highlighted in the user guide I did.
Just my preference.
You'll find that after you get the hang of it, it's fairly easy to use, but they are going through a number of changes right now, so things are a little wacky. It's the way they develop at JRiver, with user input so we all get to scream for what we want. It turned out pretty well for th iPod plugin as it has many of the features other programs lack. Such as Composer tags, automatic updating of tag changes w/o having to reupload songs etc.
Play around w/it for 30 days see if you end up liking it. My first impressions weren't that positive either...then I found I really liked it.
Adam
# 2 Re: Windows 98SE and MC9?
OK, thanks. I take your point about the learning curve, and MC9 being more than just a tool for synching your ipod, but tbh that wasn't the core of my gripe (hence my 'subjective' disclaimer...). I can well believe that, with familiarity and regular use, it could be a very powerful tool - I particularly like the look of the smart playlists.
However... it really didn't seem to like my system (hence the thread title - is it possibly a Win98 thing?). Actually I'm not sure which version I was trying - basically the latest available for download from their site. I can't check as I've uninstalled it - not that I won't give it another chance, just I need to get my music back on my iPod so I had to go back to EphPod!
If I didn't think iTunes was on its way, I'd try a bit harder to get on with it, but as it is... I'm wondering is it worth the effort?
# 3 Re: Windows 98SE and MC9?
Oh, you probably had 9.0.180 which is the "old" version in MC9 parlance.
They just put out 9.1.234 today. This includes the first release of playcounts. So what you listen to on the iPod between each sync will now update MC9's library. So, for example, you'll be able to make a smartlist of tunes that you haven't heard in 2 weeks and both the tunes you listen on MC9 and (finally) tunes you've listened to on the iPod will be reflected and updated accordingly.
As far as the benefit of waiting for iTunes. I've used iTunes extensively on my brothers Mac. Sorry, it's not for me. The smartlist capability doesn't touch MC9's. Plus a number of other things I don't like about it. But, like you, I'm into making funky fun smartlists and MC9 does that for me and let's me get very creative... :D
But, yes, it costs $$ and yes, it's got a few quirks right now. But in the next couple of days/weeks they'll have that ironed out.
And I certainly don't mind mint that you don't like it or find it difficult. As I said, I did too the first time I used it. It was only because of the benefits I saw in it that I was willing to persevere. But that's not for everyone and to be honest, it shouldn't be required at all.
But, right now it sadly is. :(
Adam
