iPod Nano to Mac G4 Cube?

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iPod Nano to Mac G4 Cube?

My sons each received Nanos for Christmas. They share a 400Mhz G4 Cube (OS 9.2) as their computer. They cannot connect or use the new Nanos and are very dissapointed.

How can I make these iPods work with this computer?

Thanks

G4 Ti Book, Mac OS 9.2.x, G4 Cube

Posted on Dec 30, 2005 11:59 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 30, 2005 4:16 PM in response to ProfAudio

The iPod nano requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 (or later) and USB 2.0 is recommended. The G4 Cube only has USB 1.1. You can find the technical specifications here. If you buy a copy of Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4, you will be able to use the iPod nano. However, USB 1.1 will be much slower at copying and synchronizing songs and photos.

-Doug

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Answer 2

ProfAudio Author

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Jan 2, 2006 3:41 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Thanks Doug!

That was what I was afraid I would hear. I have ordered OS X.3.9 and I plan to load it on a portable Firewire drive to create a dual boot system on the Cube. The boys will just have to accept slow transfers until I can afford to buy them a Mac Mini.

Does anyone know of a Firewire to USB 2 converter?

Thanks again

G4 Ti Book Mac OS 9.2.x G4 Cube

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Answer 3

dwb

Level 7

33,256 points

Jan 2, 2006 4:52 PM in response to ProfAudio

No such animal as a FW->USB2 converter and don't hold your breath that one will be developed. Since all new computers come with USB2 the market for such a converter is steadily shrinking, not to mention that cost would probably be prohibitive.

But the news isn't all bad. Yes, a 4GB Nano syncing with USB1 will take just under 2 hours as opposed to about 15 minutes with USB2. But your sons probably won't be syncing a complete music swap on a regular basis. I bought my wife a Nano for Christmas, she has a G4 iMac, and she's quite satisfied with the result.

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Answer 4

ProfAudio Author

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Jan 3, 2006 8:19 AM in response to dwb

Thanks for the additional info. My son's Nanos are the 2GB version. I'm sure that they will be very happy to wait about an hour or so each to do a full transfer.

Your input was very helpful. I had no idea about what the time difference would be using USB 1.1 vs USB 2. It's good to know.

My OS X package should be delivered today. Maybe my boys will get to hear some iPod music very soon.

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