Tune Tools for iPod Review - Needs More Than Just a Tune Up

Tune Tools for iPod Multimedia Edition is priced at just under $20. This wouldn't be a lot to ask for if Tune Tools for iPod was a quality application. But for a program where 90 percent of the features don't function, well, then you’re just throwing away $20. It’s sad to say, as the concept behind Tune Tools is fantastic: to bring some flexibility to the number one music player, which is normally confined to the limitations of iTunes. But in the end, I found just two features of the application that would even remotely function. Had everything (OK, even 90 percent) worked flawlessly, then $20 for the ability to move from iPod to iPod, or transfer your iPods among your computers, would easily make it worthwhile. However, as it stands today, you’re better off spending $20 on some song purchases.

The standard installation is quite simple: just select "Yes" a few times and you’re on your way. Keep in mind that if you don't already have Java installed, you will need to since Tune Tools for iPod Multimedia Edition is written entirely in Java. My assumption is that it’s done this way so that iTunes will work in the background, but actual implementation leaves a lot to be desired.

I tried installing and using Tune Tools for iPod on two systems: one a Windows Home Server edition and the other a Windows Vista installation. Tune Tools for iPod Multimedia Edition failed to function properly on both. The application wouldn't even work with 50 percent of its features and there was an abundance of other problems. Upon loading Tune Tools for iPod, I came across error after error. Researching the Tune Tools Technical Support website, I found some alleged fixes. However, after hours of trial and error, I’m afraid this application is simply not ready for prime time. After fumbling with the software, I finally discovered the problem causing all the errors was that I had my iPod connected. That’s right, as soon as I disconnected my iPod, Tune Tools for iPod launched flawlessly. Although I had no access to any of the features for it, at least I launched the program finally.

Tune Tools for iPod Multimedia Edition admirably tries to help with set up via some wizards. However, they are cumbersome and annoying because the user needs to jump back and forth between Tune Tools and iTunes to configure the system at all.