Documentation for mounting an ipod nano under linux

1. Identify device

    The format for the ipod nano is vfat. There are 2 partitions, typically
    /dev/sda1 and /dev/sda2. Use dmesg or tail /var/log/messages and look
    for the device. It usually appears as identified as a usb device with
    vendor id "Apple". The following excerpt shows an ipod nano attached
    to /dev/sda with 2 devices:

        Vendor: Apple  Model: iPod  Rev: 1.62
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: Type: Direct-Access   ANSI SCSI revision: 00
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: SCSI device sda: 3964928 2048-byte hdwr sectors (8120 MB)
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sda: Write Protect is off
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: SCSI device sda: 3964928 2048-byte hdwr sectors (8120 MB)
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sda: Write Protect is off
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel:  sda: sda1 sda2
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sd 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi removable disk sda
        Dec 25 12:39:43 joslyn kernel: sd 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg0 type 0

2. Mount/Unmount

    The ipod nano needs to be mounted as executable and with permissions
    for non privileged users. Some programs like gtkpod(1) expect the
    ipod to be mounted in a specific place, usually /mnt/ipod

        bash # mount -o users,exec,suid,umask=0 /dev/sda2 /mnt/ipod

    Unmount the device only after sync'ing. To umount a device mounted to
    /mnt/ipod:

        bash # umount /mnt/ipod

3. Applications

    There are gui and command line tools for managing the ipod database.

    A. gtkpod

        Pretty straight forward. Relies on libgpod. Be sure that the 
        ipod is mounted and check that gtkpod has it connected. The 
        options/preferences allow the ipod mount point to be specified. 
        Multiple ipod devices are supported, which appear in a drop 
        down combo. Be sure that the current ipod db for the device 
        that is to be changed is loaded. Do this by selecting the "read"
        icon. Add files by browing the filesystem. Transfer files by 
        saving the current changes, which can be done by using the 
        "save" icon.

        Gtkpod allows individual files to be added to the ipod. In
        addition it supports directory loads and playlists. The supported
        playlist format is m3u.

    B. amarok

        iPod devices appear in the "media devices" tab. Configure an
        ipod by adding a new device from the amarok preferences. The
        dialog allows the user to specify the ipod mount point. 

        Amarok supports multiple devices at the same time, with the
        currently detected devices appearing in a drop down combo.
        Select the ipod to modify from the combo and press the "connect"
        button. This will display the current ipod db in a tree view.

        Files can be added to the tree view from the playlist view.
        Load the playlist view by loading a playlist or by loading
        individual files and then drag them into the ipod tree. A 
        new list pane appears under the tree view holding a queue
        of files that are to be transfered to the ipod. Commit the
        changes (and actually perform the transfer) by selecting
        the "transfer" icon.

        Files can be added from the collection browser. Right click
        and select "transfer to media device". Playlists can be 
        transfered to the ipod in the same way.

    C. Gnupod tools 

4. Urls and further documentation

       iPod/nano tools/apps: http://polishlinux.org/apps/ipod-in-linux/
       iPod/nano: http://changelog.complete.org/posts/495-An-iPod-under-Linux.html
       iPod nano video: http://www.tuaw.com/2005/11/16/video-on-the-ipod-nano/
       iPod: http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9266
       gtkpod: http://www.gtkpod.org/news.html
       ipod: http://mpeters.us/linux/linux_pod.php
       podencoder: http://diveintomark.org/archives/2006/08/30/ipod-video-howto