my computer doesn't recognize my iphone

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my computer doesn't recognize my iphone

I just bought an Iphone 4s and as my mac is pretty old (10.4.11), it doesn't seem to want to connect to Itunes (version 9.2.1 (4)). My computer won't support a newer version of Itunes. So it seems my computer is too out of date to support my phone. I'm a little lost at what to do next. I tried all of the troubleshooting as well as the post-troubleshooting options I found and nothing works. Any way around all of this without buying a new computer or completely revamping my current one?

iPhone 4S, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 28, 2012 9:11 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

411,157 points

Jun 28, 2012 9:21 AM in response to clintfromny

There's no work-around other than to not use your iPhone with a computer, which does limit what you can do (this is what we do).

You do not say what computer you are using. Get more information about your computer. Go to the Apple in the upper left corner of any window, then "About This Mac", then "More Info..." Copy and paste the information here, but omit the serial number and Hardware UUID (if present). Some computers that run 10.4 now can be upgraded to running Leopard (10.5). It isn't easy to find Leopard, nor cheap, so it may be time to think about upgrading your hardware. Note that if you use OS9 generation software you lose that functionality with 10.5

The people in the Apple Store cannot conceive of anybody running a computer older than 4 years -- it is a totally alien concept to them. Anyway, when buying an i-gadget they won't even think to ask if you are running a computer that cannot run the newest iTunes so it's up to you to read system requirements printed in teeny-tiny 8 point medium gray, single spaced font on a light gray box. 😟

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Answer 2

clintfromny Author

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Jun 28, 2012 9:27 AM in response to Limnos

Hi Limnos, yes I understand they can't imagine using a computer older than 4 years, maybe I should ask them to buy me a new one 🙂

Here is the info:

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook Pro 15"

Model Identifier: MacBookPro2,2

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.33 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB

Memory: 2 GB

Bus Speed: 667 MHz

Boot ROM Version: MBP22.00A5.B07

SMC Version: 1.12f5

Thanks for the information. I will see what I can do to upgrade. Do you think it would be possible to use ICloud to connect the iphone to my computer?

Thanks again, cheers,

Clint

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

411,157 points

Jun 28, 2012 10:23 AM in response to clintfromny

You can use iCloud with the phone directly, but iCloud requires a computer with Lion or higher (I won't say "better" since I do not necessarily adhere to that idea for all new system versions).

With your computer you could easily upgrade to Snow Leopard (10.6) or possibly even Lion (might want to get more RAM though). You have to have SL installed in order to install Lion so you might as well get SL and then either go for Lion or wait for Mountain Lion next month (or just stick with SL).

Snow Leopard 10.6 Technical Requirements - http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575

Note, memory/RAM requirements are typically truly minimum and it is recommended you have at least 2x minimum.

Macs and Software that will run with Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6.x) - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2455

OS X Lion (10.7) Technical Specifications - http://support.apple.com/kb/SP629

General post on upgrading from Tiger to Lion - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3920259?answerId=18281569022#18281569022

Lion and Mountain Lion application compatibility - http://roaringapps.com/apps:table

How far you go may be decided by old software you currently run, especially pre-2006. Leopard broke some, Snow Leopard a few more, Lion pretty much the rest.

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