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Topic: iPod memory (Read 4538 times) previous topic - next topic
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iPod memory

The device is a first generation iPod Mini. The use is only for audio books. The problem is that it loses its “re-start here” ability after 24 to 36? (48?)  hours of non-use. If it is used every day, it always starts up where it left off. If left unused for much more than a day, it starts on the first track on its disk.

Bookmarking might be a solution, but it appears not to be available. I don’t have the reference now, it doesn’t seem to be in the user manual. In my original research after I obtained the device, I found a statement that bookmarks for audio books only work for those books purchased from Apple. In any case, I’ve found no information about how bookmarks are set at any time.

According to the user manual, pause is initiated by pressing the bottom of the click wheel, and ended by pressing it again. That works fine.

Also according to the manual, turning the device off is achieved by pressing and holding the bottom of the click wheel. That seems to be accomplished by pressing about four seconds.; at least the screen goes completely blank.

The manual also says that if no audio is being played, the device shuts itself off after a few minutes. I haven’t experimented with that, or even thought much about it. In order to mark my position, I must stop play there. That is only accomplished, as far as I can see, by pressing the bottom of the click wheel, either briefly or for four seconds.

After it is shut off, I restart playback by pressing on the bottom of the click wheel, just as when restarting from pause. Pressing on the center button also seems to work, but habit usually rules.

If the restart position can be maintained for 24 hours plus, it does not make sense to me that it  should be discarded sometime after 24 hours. I don’t see another way to work the device, but maybe I am missing something. Any help?

iPod memory

Reply #1 –
I think if you rename the file extensions in iTunes it'll let you bookmark them, at least for AAC.

However if you just want to be able to resume a file after an indefinite delay, and are not using DRMed files, you might want to use Rockbox.  It stores the resume information on the disk and thus will last until you reformat or uninstall rockbox.

iPod memory

Reply #2 –
Unfortunately I cannot use many programs (e.g. Rockbox) as my system is Win98. I am hoping someone has an idea about what goes on that the restart (information? condition? ... ???) exists for 36 hours or thereabouts, then disappears. How does this make sense? With a valid idea of what is happening, it might be possible to find a solution?

iPod memory

Reply #3 –
Quote from: AndyH-ha on
Unfortunately I cannot use many programs (e.g. Rockbox) as my system is Win98.


Rockbox is actually an operating system for MP3 players, not a program that runs on your computer, so your choice of operating system does not matter.

iPod memory

Reply #4 –
"your choice of operating system does not matter."

That is not what I found out when I tried to install it.

iPod memory

Reply #5 –
Are you working with mp3 or AAC audiobook files?  AAC m4b audiobooks will automatically remember their playback positions.  You will have to find a program that can edit the track tag/metadata information if you are working with mp3 audiobook files.  There is an option in iTunes where you can force the file to monitor its playback position without making a bookmark.  However, since you are on Windows 98, that makes things a little complex.  You are going to have to find an application that can edit that portion of the track tag/metadata.

iPods can be turned off only via one method: holding the play/pause button until the screen turns off (there is a different button you hold for the iPod touch but it does the same thing).  This puts the iPod in a hibernation mode so that it can be instantly turned on at a later point.  Believe it or not but this feature was new, in hard drive based portables (and even some flash based players), back in 2001, 2002, and 2003.  Hard drive based players would normally take about 20-30 seconds to fully boot but iPods would turn instantly on by going into hibernation instead of completely turning off.  Your iPod will completely turn off after approximately 36 hours, that is why you are experiencing an issue.  The iPod will not remember its playback position or even what it was playing when it completely shuts down.  This was an issue fixed by Apple about 5 years ago with the release of the 5G iPod (it might have been implemented in the 4G iPod in 2004, I don't remember).

Either way, editing that track tag/metadata (making sure it is iPod/iTunes compliant) will solve your issue.  Either that or converting your audiobooks to AAC m4b files.

iPod memory

Reply #7 –
My library is mp3.

Ok, so the result I experience is because the device doesn’t actually turn of for 36 hours, it is in pause mode. At least I now have an explanation. This also explains why the battery is frequently dead if it sets for a few days where as the similar battery in my camera stays charged for months; although not exactly why the charge seems to stay good for two days sometimes, and other times not.

I’m downloading the Rockbox stuff again, to see if there is a way around whatever is the problem with Win98. The last time, after my failed efforts and futile calls for help, I was told there is no way to get it to work -- by someone who though he/she knew.

iPod memory

Reply #8 –
Quote from: AndyH-ha on
I’m downloading the Rockbox stuff again, to see if there is a way around whatever is the problem with Win98. The last time, after my failed efforts and futile calls for help, I was told there is no way to get it to work -- by someone who though he/she knew.


Have you tried reading the instructions?  They begin with:

"There are two ways to install Rockbox: automated and manual. The automated way is the preferred method of installing Rockbox for the majority of people. Rockbox Utility is a graphical application that does almost everything for you. However, should you encounter a problem, then the manual way is still available to you."

http://download.rockbox.org/daily/manual/r...2.html#x4-60002

 

iPod memory

Reply #9 –
I waited until finishing the books I already had loaded unto the device. I again tried to install Rockbox -- manually.

As before, ipodpatcher can not find the iPod (although Windows and YamiPod do). I find this post on the Rockbox forum:
requires WinXP or later OS.
http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=11171.0

Is there other information that provides a method to proceed under Win98se?