Moving music library from PC -> Mac - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Hell_Gopher · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 03:30 PM

Hello, I've got about 30gb LAME mp3s on my windows machine, ripped just how I like them. I want to transfer this onto a new Mac without reripping. What's the best way to do this? Some options I'm considering:

1) Transfer by Ipod.

Is it possible to transfer files from windows -> mac using the "enable disk usage" mode on my ipod? The ipod is formatted for windows, but I know macs can read FAT32. This would be handy. I could wipe my ipod, enable it as a disk, then copy my library onto it, and upload it on the mac. But I'm not sure if this will work.

2) Network transfer.

I'm going to be connecting both machines to a router, so I could get one which also acts as a hub and use filesharing. Is it possible to transfer them across in this way?

3) Rerip in a different codec.

My mp3s are LAME VBR from 192-320kbps. I've heard AAC is good but I havent tried it yet. The mac will be my main source, so would I get a noticeable quality improvement by re-ripping at 320 AAC? Lossless isnt an option. Also, I would prefer to keep them as mp3s for compatibility, etc.

Comments? Out of 1) and 2), which is possible/easier?

Thanks

hungrych · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 03:42 PM

If I remember correctly, I just plugged my iPod into my mac and used this:
http://www.thelittleappfactory.com/a...hp?app=iPodRip

Hell_Gopher · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 07:31 PM

Sweet! This looks great.

One more thing: if I use this to import my mp3s from the ipod to the mac, will full tags be restored (some of my tags are a bit long and get cutoff when displayed on the ipod screen) - or will only the cut-down versions be uploaded?

Thanks again.

hungrych · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 07:39 PM

The tags stay there. Even if it gets cut off on your iPod, it should scroll to show the whole name when you select it.

blessingx · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 09:52 PM

Any router should allow you to network both computers. In fact file sharing between a Mac and a PC is easier than two PCs. Just share the OS X drive and map the PC to the Mac. Then just move the files over.

axle · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 11:04 PM

Please let us know how you like the mac... I've considered getting a little mini just to store my CDs in apple lossless (with--iTunes, I guess? I never buy music online, and I only ever play by album).

And good luck with the transfer

Fickle-Friend · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axle

Please let us know how you like the mac... I've considered getting a little mini just to store my CDs in apple lossless (with--iTunes, I guess? I never buy music online, and I only ever play by album).

And good luck with the transfer

I'm doing just that! The mini/itunes combo is easy to use. What I may do is buy a small TFT screen and use the mini purely as source. That way I can do away with CDs for good. My problem was last year I ripped like 500 cds to WAV files which im now having to encode to ALAC. If only I had bought a mac sooner!!

Hell_Gopher · #8 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the advice. I'll see which way seems easiest when the mac actually arrives. That won't be for a few weeks it seems now, since I'm heading off on a short holiday. If there seems any point in resurrecting the thread, I'll do it then.

Xplo · #9 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx

Any router should allow you to network both computers. In fact file sharing between a Mac and a PC is easier than two PCs. Just share the OS X drive and map the PC to the Mac. Then just move the files over.

What he said (in fact, you should be able to connect them directly without needing a router) is likely to be by far the quickest and easiest way to transfer those files.