iPod Nano - App to install Firewire capability?

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Level 1

6 points

iPod Nano - App to install Firewire capability?

I'm in love with the new iPod Nanos. Unfortunately my machine only has USB 1 and Firewire 400 ports.
Does anyone know if there is some iPod hack-type software that will allow the new nanos to be updated via Firewire? I would be willing to install it with the super slow USB 1 port or on another machine if this would be possible.

Also, is this type of program possible? AKA- is the lack of Firewire support due to limitations in the software or the hardware?

PowerMac G4 (MDD), Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Sep 15, 2008 11:54 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Ian Parkinson

Level 6

10,746 points

Sep 16, 2008 3:50 AM in response to neoREgen

It is not possible.
It is a hardware issue, the iPod no longer has the Firewire power input pins in the Doc connector.

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Answer 2

PT

Level 7

20,888 points

Sep 16, 2008 8:34 AM in response to neoREgen

Nor the Firewire chip set to send and receive data via Firewire.
You can no more add Firewire support to the Nano than you can add it to your old computer via a software patch.
Patrick

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Answer 3

Sep 22, 2008 10:43 AM in response to neoREgen

Time for a USB hub?

i

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Answer 4

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Sep 22, 2008 10:47 AM in response to iPod Whisperer

Time for a USB hub?

Won't do any good since the computer only has USB 1.1. A hub would simply give you more USB 1.1 ports.

However, since it's a PowerMac (not an iMac), it may be possible to add a USB 2.o card to the system.

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Answer 5

neoREgen Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 22, 2008 2:22 PM in response to Chris CA

I appreciate the suggestion.

-a bit off topic-
I once upgraded the RAM and Hard Drive capacity and a power surge fried both. I've been under the impression that something may have happened to the motherboard as well because I've experienced a progressive number of kernel errors, slowdown, and odd glitches since then. So, I fear that my computer may be on its way out and I've decided not to invest too much more into this particular machine.
That was 2 years ago though. It's hanging in there quite well. Maybe I should reassess the situation?

-back on topic-
In any case, I thank all of you for your responses.
It's looking like a new iPod won't be in the cards for me until I buy a new computer.

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Answer 6

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Sep 22, 2008 2:31 PM in response to neoREgen

You do now have at minimum, a surge protected outlet, yes?

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Answer 7

neoREgen Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 22, 2008 11:05 PM in response to Chris CA

hahhah. yeah.
I did before as well, but I was never informed that surge protectors run out of surge protection. This one was quite old and obviously no longer served it's purpose. That's quite a valuable piece of information to not be aware of.

(For those who don't know:
If you have an old surge protector, and the power light underneath the switch is flickering, get a new one.
If you have a new surge protector, there should be a dedicated light to inform you that it still works.)

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