I have to unplug and reattach my iPod to the Mac several times before it registers in iTunes -- is this a common problem, is there a fix for it, or should I send it back for a replacement? I'm worried about killing the battery. The Mac is at 10.5.5, iTunes is at 8.0.1 (12), and iPod is at 1.1.2 Mac.

(And no, I don't plug it and unplug it willy-nilly -- I give it a chance to register every time. One time it even caused iTunes to stop responding, and I had to reboot the computer.)

I have had it happen occasionally but inconsistently. Don't know of any fix.

Do you have any extra iPod cable you can try out? I had a similar problem with my previous iPod and it turned out to be my cable that was the problem.

If it keeps happening restore the iPod (full wipe, erases everything and reinstalls iPod software) and reload songs on it again. If it still happens then pop over to an Apple store and have them look at it....did you get Applecare for it?

That's pretty unusual. Somethin' ain't right.

as a matter of fact, I do have another cable I can try. I'll try the other cable, then I'll try the restore, then it's off to the apple store I go.

I bought it as a refurb from apple.com -- isn't there a warranty?

as a matter of fact, I do have another cable I can try. I'll try the other cable, then I'll try the restore, then it's off to the apple store I go.

I bought it as a refurb from apple.com -- isn't there a warranty?

one year limited for iPods, yes. However getting Applecare for any Apple product is a good idea. In the case of iPods it means free battery replacements under warranty and free service under warranty for two years instead of one. If you're still in the one year then you should be fine though.

http://images.apple.com/legal/warranty/docs/ipodisight.pdf

Alright, both cables did it this time. Next time the battery discharges, I'm going to reformat it for windows (complete different computer). I only just got the thing, so it should still be under warranty.

Question -- is there a way to modify the cable so that it doesn't charge, but one can still transfer songs onto it?