how can I get my powerbook to see my ipod touch?

I'm afraid the iPod Touch requires you to have iTunes 10.5 running on your PowerBook.

This in turn demands that you have installed a minimum of OS 10.5.8 which also happens to be the last version of OSX that potentially will run on a PowerBook (we don't know which specific model you have).

You may be able to track down a full retail version of Leopard 10.5 somewhere though it is no longer available

as a standard item from Apple. Try calling them to see if they can help.

Truthfully I would start saving for a new (or newer) Intel-based Mac, as this PPC obsolesence is irreversible in many other aspects of running an old PowerBook as well as the one you have already encountered.

I used to use a PowerBook G4, which I loved, and I can tell you that if all you did was spend like $300 on an old Intel MacBook, the difference in speed would change your life. You won't believe how slow the G4 really is these days. The best solution is to get yourself into an Intel mac, new or old, then everything will be faster, more compabitble, and you'll get to use iTunes with your iPod touch.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation system requirements

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24950

Leopard is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753).

If you can't obtain a retail install DVD from Apple, look on eBay or Google the installer part numbers to possibly find at an on-line store. Here's what to look for:

MB427Z/A Leopard 10.5.1 install DVD

MB576Z/A Leopard 10.5.4 install DVD

MB021Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (single user)

MB022Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (5-user family pack)

Installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Installation and Setup Guide

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf

After you install the base 10.5, download & install the 10.5.8 combo update at http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update

The DVD should look like this

Caution - Leopard does not support classic mode. So, if you currently open OS 9 apps in classic mode, you won't be able to do this if you upgrade to Leopard.

 Cheers, Tom 😉