Multiple iPod shuffles to connect to the same computer

Question

Is there any special instructions to have two iPods that my family would want to connect to the same computer?
Each family member has our own playlist and we'd like to update our own iPod shuffles with our own playlists. The first iPod shuffle we bought works fine, but I'm having trouble getting the second iPod to be recognized.
thanks in advance for your help

Answer 1

Marc,
I have two iPod Shuffles supported by a single Dell Desktop running Windows XP/SP2. I'll relate my experience and hope that helps you. My first Shuffle was a 512Mbyte. I installed the iTunes software from the CD that came with the Shuffle, and then plugged the Shuffle into the USB port at the bottom front of the Dell. It was recognized by Windows and by iTunes and I was directed to register the Shuffle with Apple. I named the Shuffle and that name appears in the iTunes Source List. Then I acquired a 1Gbyte Shuffle for my wife. I DID NOT re-install iTunes from the new CD (although I made sure that the existing iTunes was the latest version 4.7.1). Now with iTunes open, I plugged my wife's Shuffle into the same USB port as I use for my Shuffle. Once again, the new shuffle was recognized by both Windows and iTunes and, once again, I was asked to register the second Shuffle and give it a name (of course, different from the other Shuffle). Now both Shuffles appear in the Source List. I only plug one Shuffle in at a time, and the Shuffle that's plugged-in has a little "up-arrow" appear to the right of its name in the Source List. I am the administrator and only user of the Dell, so there's no "partitioning" problems that might screw up the support of multiple Shuffles -- your family members may have separate accounts on your computer, but I'd suggest that only one (and always the same) user logon to access iTunes and the Shuffles.
Good luck.
Roger