[Gtkpod-devel] Libgpod And 5.5G iPods

[Will F. <wm...@st...>]

Gentlemen and ladies:

I'm writing to tell you what I've learned so far about the 5.5G (the newest=
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version; the 30/80GB full-size and presumably the 2GB, in-color 4GB, and=20
8GB Nanos) iPod and its functionality with libgpod. I figured I should let=
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you know some of this because it will probably have an effect on future=20
libgpod releases, and I don't know if you've heard some of this yet.

Here's the most important bit: The iPod_Control/Device/SysInfo file on the=
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iPod is now empty--0 bytes large, probably kept around for a semblance of=20
backward-compatibility. As a result, if that file is present on the iPod,=20
libgpod will cause a segmentation fault--this has happened in two different=
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programs trying to use libgpod to read the iPod's contents. Deleting the=20
file fixes the problem, and libgpod can read and write music to the iPod=20
normally.

However, I suspect that because the SysInfo file isn't present, libgpod=20
reverts to the most basic, standard functionality only. Of particular note,=
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album cover art won't transfer--libgpod won't create the=20
iPod_Control/Artwork/ArtworkDB file at all. Music can transfer, but as far=
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as I can tell nothing else can.

I may take a crack at the source code for libgpod on my own, but not being=
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familiar with the code up to now, I'm probably not the most effective=20
person to spearhead a drive to update the code. So I figured the least I=20
could do was to lay out the larger issues so that someone who was more=20
up-to-date could take a crack. However, I'd be happy to help serve as a=20
test bed, at least, to see whether improved code works.

Please CC me any responses related to this topic, as I don't plan (as of=20
now; that may change if I do dive into the code) to join the list.

=2D-=20
Will "scifantasy" Frank - wm...@st...
"Normally, men write poems to the objects of our desire in order to lure=20
them closer."
  "How practical. In that case, you'd think men would write more poems to=20
ladies' private parts."
"The ladies would hit us. Lips are a safe compromise."
=2D-March dy Palliar and Castillar dy Cazaril, _The Curse Of Chalion_