cdeegan

Q: ?iTunes library on desktop and laptop

I have a 2012 iMac and my iTunes media folder is on an external Thunderbolt drive.

I just purchased a MBP retina and will use it when I travel.

How can I

a) use the library on the ext drive with the MBP

and

b)keep everything sync'd,or is that a problem since every part of the library is  (presumably) on the ext drive?

I know I will need to update the OS on the desktop since it is running 10.8.5 and the MBP has Mavericks installed.

thanks for any help

Caroline

Posted on Jan 26, 2014 9:11 AM

Close

Q: ?iTunes library on desktop and laptop

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 26, 2014 9:51 AM in response to cdeegan
    Level 9 (54,543 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 26, 2014 9:51 AM in response to cdeegan

    Since your media are on the external drive, that's where they will be when you travel.  No drive, no media.  If you travel extensively you could consider getting iTunes Match but that's another topic.

     

    Copying your iTunes folder from the iMac to the MBP will in essence put the file listing and other information in your primary library on the MBP but you will of course have to still use the same external drive.

     

    Be careful about ending up with two different libraries on the two computers of you will encounter problems syncing because a device can only sync to one library at a time.  You can add media from a non primary library but things start getting messy and confusing.

  • by cdeegan,

    cdeegan cdeegan Jan 26, 2014 11:26 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iLife
    Jan 26, 2014 11:26 AM in response to Limnos

    I should probably clarify my query.

    I have a very large iTunes library >>>>25,000 songs, so iTunes Match is not available to me.

    Because the library is so large I want to keep it in its entirety on the external drive (and I have synchronized and mirrored backups done regularly to this drive when it is connected to my iMac).

    I just want to be sure,when I connect the drive, that I do not get some sort of message re iTunes wanting to erase the drive. I have the same Apple ID for both computers.

    So I presume it will be OK to just open iTunes on the laptop with the drive containing the iTunes media folder connected. I don't plan to alter anything in iTunes via the laptop. I assume if podcasts update while the ext HD is attached to the MBP this would not present any difficulty when I reattach the HD to my desktop iMac.

    Caroline

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 26, 2014 11:39 AM in response to cdeegan
    Level 9 (54,543 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 26, 2014 11:39 AM in response to cdeegan

    in its entirety on the external drive


    the drive containing the iTunes media folder connected.

    Inconsistency in your statement.  An entire iTunes library is more than just media.  What do you have on the external?  Is there a whole iTunes folder there with a library.itl, artwork folder, other files and folder, or is it just media?

     

    What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

     

    More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

     

    What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html

     

    Where are my iTunes files located? - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1391

     

    If you want the external drive to work easily and seamlessly with both computers as far as iTunes is concerned, you need to have the entire media collection and support files (= library; a community library isn't just a pile of books in an empty lot somewhere) on the external.  Then all you have to do is make sure the external is connected before starting iTunes.  The first time you use it, or if you forget to attach before starting iTunes, start iTunes with the option key held down and guide it to the library.itl file on the external drive.

  • by cdeegan,

    cdeegan cdeegan Jan 26, 2014 4:40 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iLife
    Jan 26, 2014 4:40 PM in response to Limnos

    yes I have a full and functional "iTunes" folder on the ext HD which includes all of the above,and I know what all the files do.

    I'll try one more time then give it up.

    Just want to know if this HD which has everything iTunes  needs to function on my desktop will function in a similar way when I plug it into my brand new MBP?

    thanks

    Caroline

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 26, 2014 7:33 PM in response to cdeegan
    Level 9 (54,543 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 26, 2014 7:33 PM in response to cdeegan

    Use the option key startup as instructed as above and any computer with iTunes can use the library.