Connecting an iPod to a Computer with a Dock

If your iPod came with a Dock, you can connect the Dock to your computer instead of the iPod itself. When you want to transfer music to the iPod, you simply set it into the Dock. Using a Dock means that you don't need to mess around with cables (see Figure 2.9).

Figure 2.9. An iPod Dock eliminates the need to mess around with cables every time you connect your iPod to your computer.

To use a Dock, connect the Dock connector end of the cable you use to connect the iPod to your computer into the Dock port on the Dock instead of the port on the iPod. To connect the iPod to the computer, simply set it into the Dock. When the Dock can communicate with the iPod, you'll hear a tone. Other than that, using an iPod in a Dock is just like using one connected to a computer by a cable. When you connect the Dock connector end of the cable into the Dock connector port on the Dock, make sure the icon on the cable faces up. If you try to insert the cable in upside down, you can damage the connector.

When you want to disconnect your iPod from the computer, lift it out of the Dock. (You might have to place one hand on the Dock to keep it from lifting up when you lift the iPod out.) Before you pull an iPod out of a Dock, make sure the "OK to disconnect" message appears on the iPod's screen.

The Absolute Minimum

Fortunately, a lot of the material in this chapter is only useful the first time you use your iPod. After all, installing software and connecting cables isn't all that thrilling. But it is necessary to do the thrilling stuff that starts in the next chapter. Before we leave this topic, consider the following points:

• You can install more than one iPod on the same computer. For example, you might be fortunate enough to have an iPod and an iPod mini. If you have more than one iPod, use a different name for each so you can keep them straight. You can even connect them to your computer at the same time if you have enough ports and cables available to do so.

• If your iPod didn't come with a Dock, you can purchase one separately. I strongly recommend that you do so because a Dock makes connecting and disconnecting an iPod much easier. You'll learn more about Docks in Chapter 7.

• The Dock includes a Line Out port. You can use this to connect the Dock to speakers or other audio device to play the iPod's music on that device. You'll learn more about this in Chapter 8, "Using an iPod with a Home Stereo or Car Stereo."