HT201272 Why aren't tunes i purchased on earlier devices (same iTunes account) available for me to download now???

Question

I bought an ipod nano (gen II) many moons back and then updated to an iPod touch.
Over the years, I've purchased music from iTunes that I now wish to add to my new device.
But when I check my ITunes purchases, the older purchases just don't show - even though they were all purchased using the same iTunes account.
This seems a bit unfair and comes across as a rip-off as I don't want to have to buy them all again.
In the olden days, you went to the record shop and bought records. But when you traded in your old record player for a smart new hi-fi you didn't have to walk back to the shop and buy all your records again.
It's the reason why I won't upgraded my gen I touch to a new one.
(Apple seem a bit quick in this respect. I bought the v.expensive Apple Hi-Fi to play music through my nano. When I upgraded to my iPod Touch, they'd changed the voltage rating on their devices and so the Apple Hi-FI no longer worked fully with the Apple iPod Touch!.I had to buy a 3rd party adaptor which ruined the look of the whole setup - not good esp. as you buy apple gear for its design).
I've reached the point where i'll probably never buy another apple product.

Answer 1

All purchases should be available.  Are you sure they were purchased under the same ID?
It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer.
You should ALWAYS have a backup copy of your purchases.
When you bought records, you kept the records, just as you should keep the songs you downloaded.  If you throw them away with your ipod, then they are gone, just as if you threw away a record with the record player.
You can transfer itunes purchases from an ipod:  File>Transfer Purchases
It is 100% your fault if you fail to maintain a backup copy of your music.
You will never be happy with any digital product if you fail to do the basics.