All,

I just tested a work-around that appears to solve two annoyances that folks are fussing about...

1) The iPod gets stuck on the "Ok to diconnect" message while it's in the cradle, so I can't do anything with it while it is in the cradle.

2) I have a laptop that doesn't provide power on the FireWire bus (chain), so I have to unplug it from my laptop & plug it into the charger to charge it.

Both of these problems can be solved by adding a piece of hardware - I didn't say it would be free - but it needn't be expensive.

I have an older ADS Technologies external FireWire case - I have my DVD burner in there now, but it will accept 3.5" and 5 1/4" hard drives & CD ROM drives.

(Resolution for problem 2, no power to iPod)

This case has 3 FireWire ports. I have one going to my laptop (with a 4 pin to 6 pin cable - I could have used Apple's provided adapter). The iPod is plugged into the second FireWire port. I connected the third FireWire port to a 6 pin to 6 pin (has to be 6 pin to 6 pin for this to work) cable, then plugged the cable into the iPod power supply, then plugged the power supply into the wall.

My FireWire bus (chain) now has power from the iPod adapter and my iPod is charging from it.

(Resolution for problem 1, iPod stays on "Ok to Disconnect" message)

Now that everything is plugged in & ready to go, I can hit the power button on the ADS external case, and my iPod is disconnected from the FireWire chain. When it disconnects, its display returns to the main menu.

How's that for "two birds with one stone."

Word of caution - you need to have an external case that has three (3) FireWire ports!!

Hope this helps,

Franko