A puzzling question about running two iPads on one computer

I have the most recent iTunes for Mac and I do not see anything that says sync only chosen items or anything similar. I just know that if you have checked the box to sync apps, only the apps with a checked box will be synced.

And something that some folks do not understand, if you have an app with special files, you attach and sync those files with that app at the bottom of the Apps tab. For example,I have four .avi movie videos that I watch using the VLC app. Those are attached and synced to that app in that bottom pane of the Apps tab.

Basically, the library list that iTunes throws up is everything it's got stored in that library

Correct.

but that doesn't mean all the content is available/accessable to every device. IOW, the permissions are distinct from file visibility. Have I got that right?

Yes, the permissions are distinct from the file visibility.

However, you can see everything in iTunes (if it was added to iTunes), even if your computer is not authorized for that iTunes account but you cannot do anything with it if your computer is not authorized.

Only items from accounts that are authorized on your computer will be able to sync to the iDevices.

Two people use the same iTunes library.

Each has their own iTunes account for purchases.

The iTunes library contains everything for both users (because there is really only one user. There is nothing to differentiate them)

Each loads what they want onto their own iDevice(s).

If one person deauthorizes the computer for their iTunes account, the apps purchased on that account will not copy to any iDevice, but will still be visible in iTunes.

Each user can select only what they want to sync and keep the devices different that way.

If users want to use some/most/all of the same content, then use the same iTunes library. Just select what each wants.

If users want little/no content the same, use a different library. It's far easier as the other won't have to sort through a lot of stuff they don't care about.

Syncing contacts, calendars, photos and other data can only be done with the user account which is logged into the computer.

If you care about separate info, then the only way is to use separate computer logins (as I suggested above)

(sorry. A bit long winded)

Actually everything in an iTunes library is available to any device that you sync to that library, so long as that computer is authorized to play the content. So you can have content that has been bought with different iTunes accounts in the same library and you can sync all of that content to any iDevise you chose to sync it to. The time when the specific account will again come into play is if iTunes tells you that certain apps have updates available, whether it is iTunes on the Mac or the iTunes app on an iDevice. To update the app you must log into the iTunes account that actually purchased the app.

Thank You for extending the courtesy of awarding points to comments that are helpful or provide answers in the Apple Discussions, as this is not mandatory, but it is much appreciated!

the sync "selected items" options are only available on music, books and photos with a similar option for contacts.

i was posting on my ipad whilst i was half asleep in bed last night so didnt have itunes open to refer to the exact stuff! LOL

had to play it from my minds eye and i knew id seen it there somewhere. LOL!

Chris i "understand" how they are set up perfectly...i just didnt explain it myself very well! LOL! you did a sterling job though!

and Ctein; thanks for the points, much appreciated! glad your getting it all sorted out now!

Everyone did a great job explaining the issue that Ctein had with his Ipad and his wife's Ipad - I have a similar but different issue and am afraid to do anything without a little guidance from someone who is more knowledgeable than I am. I had an IPad for about a year and then a month ago purchased an IPad 2. When I first brought my IPad 2 home I used the sync function with ITunes to get all my Apps etc on the new IPad 2 - it worked perfectly. Next, my wife inherited my original IPad, she has been actively using it for the things she likes, downloading TV shows, movies and getting Apps that tie to her professional interests so while both IPads began with identical configurations - her IPad now has become personalized to her interests and the new IPad has grown with more Apps that I am interested in. She has not synced the original IPad since she began to work with it. Now the problem - I didn't wipe and set up her IPad as a new device when I first gave it to her and she had built on the set up that I had, eliminating a few of my Apps and adding hers but both devices have the same name - I want to change the name on her IPad to reflect her and am unsure how to accomplish this without losing all her data or creating a mishmash of data the next time I sync.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,

It is easy to change the name of her iPad. Connect it to the computer, open iTunes, click twice on the name and then write the new name.

Next left click on the name of her iPad and choose to Transfer purchases. This will transfer everything that she has acquired through the iTunes and Apps Stores to the computer. Then backup the iPad and the backup will use the iPad's new name.

From that point forward the iPad's will have backups stored on the computer by their unique names.

Than you very much -

How do you edit these posts after the fact? I have more typos on the on screen keyboard and don't notice them until after I post. :-(

If you are trying to edit post here with the iPad, you cannot.

😟

It has to do with the webkit used by the browser.