How To Transfer MP3 Files from HD to IPOD?

Question

I just got a new 30GB IPOD which I assume is the latest model. It came in a black box and says part number "PA149LL/A", but has no model number on the box.
The published web documentation for this is WRONG, and hard copy instruction with the unit is NON EXISTENT. I have no idea how to get music from MP3 files on my hard drive onto this thing.
I went to preferences and set the music file address to the folder which contains all of my MP3 files. I also set it to "manual" mode for music creation. I tried to create a playlist.
I can not get any way to "find" a music file through the ITunes screen. None of the screen graphics look like what is posted on the apple web site help material.
FYI: it did dump a ton of these same MP3 files onto the Ipod when I let it go in "automatic mode".... which I wanted to then remove when I realized half the files didn't have valid tags the Ipod could recognize so they were not filed correctly.
I tried to delete the songs from the Ipod as instructed on the website using: "clear" the playlist, and then command the thing to update the Ipod playlist. My first lesson courtesy the 800 phone help line: it can't do that unless you put it into "manual" mode, contrary to what the web site says.
Is there any place to go to get accurate operating instructions for THIS model?
I am not exactly a computer moron. I design PC hardware and power supplies for a living and have three college degrees. This thing needs some basic instructions on how to do a few things..... like load and play music.
Any advice would be appreciated on how to get this Itunes software to see or access my MP3 files stored in a folder on my desktop. I set the address in the preferences, but that did not help.
I'm not even sure exactly how or where the "search" files should appear when looking through Itunes?

Answer 1

Part numbers beginning with P are usually promotion items.
You can buy a stack of 'em & give to employees, grand openings, etc.
They are the same as regular retail iPod, just a different model number. http://www.apple.com/ipod/imaging/
Looks like you have a black, 30GB video iPod.
Here's a great place to start to learn how to use iTunes and the iPod.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod101/
I went to preferences and set the music file address to the folder which contains all of my MP3 files. I
That will tell iTunes to use this folder. iTunes does not "watch" this folder to see if anything is added. You have to add it to the library yourself and iTunes will put it in this folder under Artist -> Album.
If you IMport a file, it will convert it to the format set in teh iTUnes prefs. If you Add a file, it will simply add it to the library in the format it already is.
To get music into iTunes;
- insert a CD and select Import.
- click on iTunes Music Store and purchase songs.
- go to iTunes menu - File -> Add (Folder or file) to library and select the file/folder.
- Drag songs onto iTunes.
To get music onto the iPod;
- Plug it in.
Yeah, it really is that simple.
Easiest way to manage your library is to use iTunes.
Edit the ID3 tags, add delete songs and put them onto the iPod.