Format iPod to FAT32 on a Mac

[Strider]

Is there any way I can format my 20 gig 4G iPod to FAT32 on my mac itself? Or is it necessary that I'll have to use a PC. I want my iPod to work on both PCs and Macs and hence I want to switch to FAT32.

 

[Ghostshadow]

ive always done it on the pc , and it's worked just fine , make sure you back up , you'll then be able to use it in the mac and or pc just fine ,

 

[Avalon]

The only way to format your iPod is with the iPod software, using the Recovery-option. There is no option to choose the filesystem, which means, formatted on the Mac: HFS+, formatted on the PC: FAT32.
So you can only do that from the PC.

Do NOT, by any means, format the iPod using Disk Utility, or under Windows formatting from the Explorer. This will render your iPod totally useless.

 

[Strider]

Thanks for the replies

Do NOT, by any means, format the iPod using Disk Utility, or under Windows formatting from the Explorer. This will render your iPod totally useless.

LOL take it easy, I've already done it once a few weeks ago. Formatted iPod to FAT32 using disk utility. Nothing happens!
And when i go and install the software, it reformats to the mac standard HFS+ :headphone

 

[no0neelse]

Are there any disadvantages to using FAT32? Any difference with the performance?

To ask another way, is there any reason to use HFS+ over FAT32? Thanks!

 

[inflexion]

IMO there is no difference in the two formats for an iPod

as for disk utilities, the only thing you need to worry about if formatting the first partition as this contains the firmware.

you have to worry about that when using and iPod in linux

 

[mangoSharingan]

Well, formatting in FAT32 lets you use it as a removable drive in both Windows and Mac OS X...

 

[no0neelse]

Well, formatting in FAT32 lets you use it as a removable drive in both Windows and Mac OS X...

yeah I heard about this. I was just wondering if there were any disadvantages of FAT32. Like any incompatibilities with my mac.