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- Jun 18, 2013
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- Your Mac's Specs
- 13" MacBook Pro - 2.5GHz Intel Core i5
Dont want to write a huge paragraph about my introduction to Apple, but it might be relevant? Changed over to Mac in 2006 (I think) with a Titanium Powerbook G4 (Onyx?) and the iPod shuffle. Loved them both. In late 2009 the Powerbook suffered an unfortunate work related accident (had to be left in a car during an emergency, and the temps got high enough inside to cause... 'issues'). It has only been earlier this year that I was able to afford a new Macbook Pro.
So here I am with the following:
- 13" Macbook Pro - 2.5GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB 1600 MHz DDR3, 500G HD running OSX 10.8.4
- 32GB iPad Mini (Wifi)
- 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle
Happy with the current setup. Would of preferred a larger Macbook, but thinking I might just buy a desktop when I get back home next year. The iPad is everything I expected and a bit more, but a few issues I am hoping I can get some help with. I tried switching to a 6th Gen iPod Nano for a few months, but found I only really used the shuffle still (gym, mostly) so sold it.
Now, questions. I am finding that I am having to re-learn or remember things from when I owned my last mac, and certain things are not working quite like I remember. Also, I want to avoid issues like what I ran into when my Powerbook died (such as recovering the info on it.. which I am still trying to do). Below are some of my current hang-ups, maybe I can get some advice?
- Is there a way to access the files on my iPad other than through iTunes? I want to move PDF documents over so I can read them on the iPad, but have not figured out how to make that happen. Internet connection where I am is... lacking... to say the least (currently deployed), so I was hoping there was a way to do it either via direct connection or maybe bluetooth?
- I have almost 40GB of music in a variety of folders, but most of it is made up of duplicate files. Other than going through and sorting every song individually, what would be the best way to handle it? I am worried if I just randomly combine the folders files are going to be overwritten that shouldnt be (a more complete version of a song, or a better quality), but most of the programs that supposedly clean up your iTunes library have gotten horrible reviews.
- Along those same lines, I have most of my movies on portable hard drives. Spent a few weeks sorting those, and still need to finish up, but now I am trying to figure out how to sync them with iTunes so they can be moved over to my iPad (or so I can watch them on my macbook), and so iTunes can track which ones I have seen and have not seen.
Currently, I am watching various TV shows. So, I take the folder from the external and copy it into the Movies folder on my Macbook. Then go into iTunes, find the folder, add to library, and sync with the iPad. The only way I have found to get it to work right (where it just puts specific shows on my iPad, rather than the 200GB worth of movies I have) is to select the option to just move shows/movies I have not seen before. What I would LIKE to be able to do is set it up to move over a series (Sons of Anarchy, for example.. need to catch up on that) to the iPad and when I sync it will make note of which ones I have watched when I open up my iPad/Macbook. Right now, when I watch it on the iPad I just delete the file. There HAS to be something I am missing here, so I feel kind of silly asking.
- Looking for some sort of program where I can write blog entries (I have a game/hobby blog through Blogger) offline, then when I do get online with it (finding a hot spot is a once a week thing, give or take) I can do an upload of the blogs/photos. I would prefer to keep the Blogger account, but am open to moving it. Currently just writing text documents and copy/pasting them over, but that is a real hassle (part of why I have not updated it in ages - Omar's Workbench ). Had hoped to expand my writing, but trying to find a more convenient way to accommodate the process. Even something that might not need to upload, but can store my writing/photos locally that I can access later. My notebooks are filling up.
- Backing up. I know I need to do it, and I have the means to do so (either with one of my 500G or 1TB externals, or I can go buy a new one.. but wanting to avoid the $275 of a time capsule), but not really sure HOW to do so. Help?
I guess in the end, I want to find the most efficient way to streamline my file/data management, consolidate files/storage, and eliminate the stack of externals I am working with. Keep one external that has all my media (movies/music), one thats my dedicated backup (with a way to plug it in to back up my current setup once a month or so, without doing a complete copy and having the duplicate file issue I am currently dealing with), and so that it does it with a click or two.. rather than the mess I am fighting.
ALSO - Suggestions on wireless headphones or such to connect to the Macbook/iPad, so I can keep the shuffle for the gym and have something else for use when I am working on projects (but not getting all sweaty/dirty).
Sorry for the long post, I imagine I missed a few things, and I HOPE this is in the right place. Feels great to be back in the community, but not having a 'go-to' guy locally is giving me fits. Picking up a ton of ideas from MacLife and forums, but thought some personal help might be in order.
Thanks in advance!
So here I am with the following:
- 13" Macbook Pro - 2.5GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB 1600 MHz DDR3, 500G HD running OSX 10.8.4
- 32GB iPad Mini (Wifi)
- 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle
Happy with the current setup. Would of preferred a larger Macbook, but thinking I might just buy a desktop when I get back home next year. The iPad is everything I expected and a bit more, but a few issues I am hoping I can get some help with. I tried switching to a 6th Gen iPod Nano for a few months, but found I only really used the shuffle still (gym, mostly) so sold it.
Now, questions. I am finding that I am having to re-learn or remember things from when I owned my last mac, and certain things are not working quite like I remember. Also, I want to avoid issues like what I ran into when my Powerbook died (such as recovering the info on it.. which I am still trying to do). Below are some of my current hang-ups, maybe I can get some advice?
- Is there a way to access the files on my iPad other than through iTunes? I want to move PDF documents over so I can read them on the iPad, but have not figured out how to make that happen. Internet connection where I am is... lacking... to say the least (currently deployed), so I was hoping there was a way to do it either via direct connection or maybe bluetooth?
- I have almost 40GB of music in a variety of folders, but most of it is made up of duplicate files. Other than going through and sorting every song individually, what would be the best way to handle it? I am worried if I just randomly combine the folders files are going to be overwritten that shouldnt be (a more complete version of a song, or a better quality), but most of the programs that supposedly clean up your iTunes library have gotten horrible reviews.
- Along those same lines, I have most of my movies on portable hard drives. Spent a few weeks sorting those, and still need to finish up, but now I am trying to figure out how to sync them with iTunes so they can be moved over to my iPad (or so I can watch them on my macbook), and so iTunes can track which ones I have seen and have not seen.
Currently, I am watching various TV shows. So, I take the folder from the external and copy it into the Movies folder on my Macbook. Then go into iTunes, find the folder, add to library, and sync with the iPad. The only way I have found to get it to work right (where it just puts specific shows on my iPad, rather than the 200GB worth of movies I have) is to select the option to just move shows/movies I have not seen before. What I would LIKE to be able to do is set it up to move over a series (Sons of Anarchy, for example.. need to catch up on that) to the iPad and when I sync it will make note of which ones I have watched when I open up my iPad/Macbook. Right now, when I watch it on the iPad I just delete the file. There HAS to be something I am missing here, so I feel kind of silly asking.
- Looking for some sort of program where I can write blog entries (I have a game/hobby blog through Blogger) offline, then when I do get online with it (finding a hot spot is a once a week thing, give or take) I can do an upload of the blogs/photos. I would prefer to keep the Blogger account, but am open to moving it. Currently just writing text documents and copy/pasting them over, but that is a real hassle (part of why I have not updated it in ages - Omar's Workbench ). Had hoped to expand my writing, but trying to find a more convenient way to accommodate the process. Even something that might not need to upload, but can store my writing/photos locally that I can access later. My notebooks are filling up.
- Backing up. I know I need to do it, and I have the means to do so (either with one of my 500G or 1TB externals, or I can go buy a new one.. but wanting to avoid the $275 of a time capsule), but not really sure HOW to do so. Help?
I guess in the end, I want to find the most efficient way to streamline my file/data management, consolidate files/storage, and eliminate the stack of externals I am working with. Keep one external that has all my media (movies/music), one thats my dedicated backup (with a way to plug it in to back up my current setup once a month or so, without doing a complete copy and having the duplicate file issue I am currently dealing with), and so that it does it with a click or two.. rather than the mess I am fighting.
ALSO - Suggestions on wireless headphones or such to connect to the Macbook/iPad, so I can keep the shuffle for the gym and have something else for use when I am working on projects (but not getting all sweaty/dirty).
Sorry for the long post, I imagine I missed a few things, and I HOPE this is in the right place. Feels great to be back in the community, but not having a 'go-to' guy locally is giving me fits. Picking up a ton of ideas from MacLife and forums, but thought some personal help might be in order.
Thanks in advance!