gtkpod brings the iPod to Linux
While it won't strip out the DRM on protected AAC files, gtkpod otherwise allows Linux users to access and download the contents of their iPods. Version 0.94 was released a few days ago, so if you've been putting off that shiny new purchase (and you know who you are), maybe now is the time to reconsider.Gtkpod has a very powerful editing system too, useful for fixing ID3 tags, volume, or finding duplicates and modifying playlists. The nifty thing is you can still use your iPod with iTunes 4.9 and the latest iPod firmware (3.1 for now). The graphical front-end for your iPod includes tools for putting your open-source calendars and addresses on there too (Evolution, webcalendar, Thunderbird, kaddressbook). If you swing both ways on the OS front, it's a very handy utility to have. Just as an iPod management tool it is nice, since Apple won't let you manually tinker with the music files on your pod. The only downside: no support for podcasts yet.












Comments
7
Subscribe to commentseleongonzalesJul 21st 2005 12:19PM
I have GTKpod on my linux/xp laptop. I have all of my music on my Mac at home and was hoping that this program could read the HFS (or whatever format it is) file structure of my ipod so I can manage my ipod while traveling. I tried and tried to get the ipod to mount with no success. Have any of you encountered this problem and if so what did you do to mount the ipod?
Victor Agreda, Jr.Jul 21st 2005 1:15PM
Unfortunately the developers merely assume HFS support is possible. Testing appears to have been done with a Windows-formatted iPod. You may want to check the read me file for more info:
http://www.gtkpod.org/README
Note that there are several assumptions and "don't know if this works yet" statements...
eleongonzalesJul 21st 2005 1:28PM
Thanks, that was what I gathered from the program. HFS support would be very desirable when away from my mac. Subsequently, are you aware of any HFS readers for XP or linux that would allow me read/write to the ipod disk? Thanks- I really enjoy reading this blog and keep the useful freeware coming!
Lyubov BerezinaDec 16th 2005 4:06AM
To eleongonzales: linux kernel 2.4.x does not support HFS and HFS+, you need your system to be based on 2.6.x :) I managed to mount HFS-formatted iPod Mini with GtkPod easily assuming I have 2.6.x kernel.
eleongonzalesJul 22nd 2005 9:39AM
I have the 2.6.x kernal and could not mount my ipod using usb... I am going to spend some time with it over the weekend.
Victor Agreda, Jr.Jul 22nd 2005 9:44AM
E, post back here when you get it working to let us know what you had to do!
eleongonzalesJul 25th 2005 2:00PM
Hey guys, I didn't get a chance to fool around with this over the weekend like i thought i would. I will hopefully get a chance tonight or tomorrow and i will get back to you. Sorry about the delay!