Synching multiple ipods to 2 computers

my children have an i-tunes account that they share and their ipods are all linked to that account and synched on their computer...my husband and I recently bought i-phones...can we all be linked to the same i-tunes account/music library and share all the same music, but my husband and I synch from our own computers? If so, how do we do that?

Yes you can use multiple iPods with a single library, this is covered in the document I linked to.
One method of sharing a single library, is to set any or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish): iPod - Syncing Music
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone

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    Let's see if we summarise the main points that will help you decide on a strategy:
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    + An iPod (but not an iPhone) in manual mode can accept tracks from multiple libraries.
    + iTunes can transfer (copy) purchases from an iPod into the library if authorised for the account used to purchase them.
    + Networks, memory sticks, portable hard drives, CD-R, DVD-D and iPod to PC transfer programs can be used to move other content between your libraries.
    + The new "home sharing" feature probably has some relevance too, but I've not explored just what the capabilities are.
    + For each account, DRM puchases can be authorised on up to 5 computers at any one time.
    + For each computer, up to 5 accounts may be authorised on it at any one time.
    + Each iPod may hold DRM content from up to 5 different accounts.
    + DRM content may be transfered to as many iPod's as you wish.
    + Most iTunes Store content is no longer subject to DRM, the main exceptions being Movies & Games/Applications.
    + iPods can be formated for use with either Mac or Windows. You can manage content on a Windows formatted iPod with either system, but the reverse is not the case. Firmware updates & restores must take place on the native system.
    + An undocumented/unsupported feature is that if you clone a library (make a complete copy of the iTunes library files and media content) and place this on another machine, an iPod "synced" to the original library will also see any clone as its "home" library. Once cloned you don't have to keep all the content available in each locataion. For regular iPods if syncable content cannot be found corresponding files on the device will be left alone (not updated or deleted).
    + The main database file of an iTunes library can only be opened by one process - multiple users on the same computer or over a network will lead to problems. Always close iTunes before switching profiles.
    + The media content folders can be simultaneously accessed by multiple accounts.
    + Automatic syncing has a number of advantages. You can update tag info. in iTunes knowing that when updated the iPod will recieve all the updates. Using playlists you can manage the content that will go on an iPod without having it connected. Ratings & playcounts can sync in both directions. All the content required to restore your iPod is in one location.
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    + iTunes does not keep track of files moved or updated by other programs or instances of iTunes. If you share content folders then it is best to avoid the *Keep iTunes Media folder organised* option. When you update content on one machine, e.g. change a capitalisation or correct a spelling, other libraries will only notice the change if they access the file in some way, e.g. by playing it.
    I'm sure there's more that I can't think of just now but that's a start.
    *Personal Case history:*
    Our family has an iPhone, a Nano, 3 Classics (old & new) and a 5th gen. I started by making most of the purchases on my account, putting the children's gift cards onto my store account for example, but two now have their own accounts. I manage most of the music in one main library that sits on a network. One child has a separate library which started as clone of the original and then had content that he dislikes removed... This means I can update his iPod at either his machine or mine although if I add any of his music I have to remember to update both libraries. When he uses iTunes on his computer he only sees the rock/blues/metal that he likes whereas the main library has everybodys content lumped together.
    All the iPods are set to sync automatically using the method two (Sync with selected playlists) from the Apple support document How to use multiple iPods with one computer, although I have a slight twist. Rather than regular playlists I set the grouping field to indicate which users should receive which tracks and create smart playlists based on the content of this field.
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    This way each of us gets a different selection of content to suit our tastes and the capacity of our iPods. An advantage of using the grouping field is that it is stored in file tags (for non-wav audio files anyway) so that it is relatively easy to recreate the playlists should the iTunes library get trashed. Also useful if you move files about manually as playlist membership is preserved when you delete & re-import the tracks.
    However you choose to do things you should also create a backup. My main library gets synced to a portable hard drive using SyncToy 2.1 (Windows) which I sometimes take to work and sync there, giving me three complete copies of my library at any one time and I can update any iPod from any instance of the library. An occasional scan of the contnet folders with iTunes Folder Watch helps me catch up if, for example, a podcast has download at one location but the library is overwritten with a newer version from the other.
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  • Multiple iPods on 1 Macbook + later installation on different computers

    Hi =)
    I have a Macbook with iTunes installed and my own music library I currently use with my iPod video.
    For their respective birthdays, I would like to prepare two iPods Nano for my parents, one for each.
    Ideally, I would like to create two additional separate libraries for them and ensure that my own is not synchronized on the Nanos (we do not enjoy the same music =).
    How should I proceed with regards to this?
    Also, when they get their Nano and I install iTunes on their respectives computers, would I just need to transfer (by CD-ROM or memory stick) their libraries onto their computers? Or is it not that straightforward?
    Thank you very much for your help!
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    With iTunes 7 it is possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key when launching iTunes. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
    Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library:
    Using multiple iTunes libraries -Mac
    Another way to do it would be to create separate Mac user accounts. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists.
    If the libraries aren't too large you could certainly copy them using CD-Rs or DVDs. You'll get a few more options here: How to move music between authorised computersTransfer iTunes Store purchases using iPod
    The transfer of non iTMS content such as songs imported from CD is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. This is just a small selection of what's available, you can also read reviews of some of them here: Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
    Senuti Mac Only
    iPodRip Mac Only
    PodView Mac Only
    PodWorks Mac Only
    iPodDisk PPC Mac Only (experimental version available for Intel Macs)
    YamiPod Mac & Windows
    Music Rescue Mac & Windows
    iPodCopy Mac & Windows
    There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available at this link: Two-way Street: Moving Music Off the iPod
    One last thing you need to be aware of is that by setting up the iPods on your Mac, they will be Mac formatted. This will be fine if your parents also have a Mac. However Mac formatted iPods won't run natively on a PC because the Windows OS does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. To format a Mac iPod for Windows it has to be restored on a PC. Restoring will erase and reformat the iPod's drive, reload the software and put it back to default settings which will mean anything you put on the iPods will be lost and they'll have to be reloaded from the PC: Restoring iPod to factory settings with iTunes 7

  • Multiple iPods, multiple computers, one account???

    I have four computers and will soon have four iPods (one model #M946OLL, three new Nanos) My main computer has iTunes loaded with all our downloaded and purchased music. Please advise as to how I set up the three new Nanos, each with their own computer, but sharing all the music. Note, all music will be purchased with the same account. Thank you!

    Start with these links:
    Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations
    How to use multiple iPods with one computer
    How to share music between different accounts on a single computer
    Using iPod with Multiple Computers
    Then post back with your desired 'end-state' vision of how all four PCs will work with all four iPods. It may or may not be possible (or even easy, if possible).

  • Multiple iPods with Multiple computers

    I have two iPods and each syncs with a different machine. Each has a unique music library. What would happen if I switched iPods. i.e. plugging two different iPods into one machine? Will they somehow merge the libraries, or will iTunes just complain that I'm confused.
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    Have a look at this article: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
    Also, before you connect an iPod that is currently linked to a different library, read this one: Using iPod with Multiple computers

  • Can someone help me get my IPOD Touch 3g started? It will only flash the Apple logo off and on. Has been through restore multiple times on different computers, and still will not start.

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  • Multiple IPods / Single Computer.

    Is there a way to have multiple IPods synch to 1 computer with Itunes and each Ipod can synch to their own playlist.
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    If this can't be done, Apple needs to fix it so we can. More and more households have more than one Ipod.
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    Choosing the update option "automatically update selected playlists only" (called Sync Music - Selected playlists in iTunes 7) allows you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPods. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPods ( for example, around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB Mini or Nano). You can read more about playlists at these links:
    iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
    How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
    How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
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  • Synching I touch with two computers

    I would like to know if it is possible to synch an itouch with two computers, without losing the music that is on the itouch. FYI: First computeris no longer operational due to a virus...
    Thanks

    You can sync with only one computer.  However, you can manage music with multiple computers.  See:
    Using iPhone, iPad, or iPod with multiple computers

  • Connecting iPod touch(and other iPods) to multiiple computers

    I just purchased and Macbook to use on trips, etc. I also have a G5 iMac and 4 different iPods. Can I synch my ipods with both my computers? How do I do it and do I need to change any default settings?
    TIA for any help.
    Frank

    Hello Frank Locy,
    In order to use any of your iPods with multiple computers, you will have to set each of them up to "manually manage music and videos" from under the Summary pane in iTunes. You will only be able to enable this option with the original machine you set the iPod up with, unless you wish to restore the iPod to factory settings through the new computer and enabling it there.
    For more help on how to do this and information on how to use your iPods with multiple computers, check out this Apple support document.
    [Using iPod with multiple computers|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1202]
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  • Multiple iPods on one computer question

    Hello,
    I know this question has been asked already and I've read all the help topics about multiple iPods.
    I've tried twice to use two iPods on one computer and it was not as easy as described. I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
    The first time I tried was on a PC running XP with two iPod minis. I had seperate user accounts and it kept erasing all the songs in one account.
    The other situation was on a different PC running XP Pro with a shuffle and a 30gig photo.
    I had my 30gig for about a year and as soon as I plugged in my shuffle it didn't recognize it and the next time I plugged in my 30 gig photo it froze and I had to end up doing the hard reset for it.
    Tomorrow I am about to try a PC running XP with a shuffle, nano, and a video iPod.
    I've read the two ways to do it and am going to try the specific playlist option.
    I'm worried that as soon as I plug in the second iPod it will freeze and I won't be able to even get to the "iPod Option" Button in iTunes.
    The computer is not mine nor are the music devices. I'm doing it for a friend who doesn't understand computers that well. All devices are new, never used.
    Is it as easy as the process sounds?
    Also the last time I tried multiple iPods was at least two iTunes updates ago.
    Thanks for any help,
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    PC and iMac Intel   Windows XP Pro  

    Hello!
    Let me explain this in detail for you:
    The Do Not Disconnect screen
    It is normal for your iPod to say this message to you when you connect it to your computer.
    When you need to disconnect it from your computer, you'll first need to eject it.
    There are a few ways to eject your iPod; through iTunes, the Safely Remove Hardware program, and "My Computer".
    Through iTunes
    Ejecting your iPod via iTunes depends on what setting your iPod is on for.
    Connect your iPod. Go into Edit> preferences> iPod. See what setting your iPod is on; "automatic" or "manual".
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    If you aren't restoring, or updating your iPod, iTunes should automatically eject your iPod from iTunes. If it doesn't, then right-click the name of your iPod in iTunes, and make sure that the "enable for disk use" is un-checked.
    Manual
    If you need to eject your iPod from iTunes if the setting is "manual", click the little arrow that's next to the name of your iPod in the left source list in iTunes.
    Through the "Safely Remove Hardware" program
    Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, and there's the system tray icons there. If the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon is there, click on it, select your iPod, and click "stop".
    Through "My Computer"
    Go to "My Computer".
    Find your iPod's listing there (it's typically "E:" or "F:").
    Right-click it, click on "eject".
    For additional information about ejecting your iPod, check this Apple Support articles about it.
    Safely disconnecting your iPod
    About the "Do Not Disconnect" and "OK to Disconnect" screens on iPod
    Any more questions? I'll be glad to try to help you again.
    ~~Kylene

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