iPod Backup Software – Do You Need It?
In my case – no I do not.
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Remember that this site is for the everyday user of Apple Mac computers and related devices. “Power” users probably have different requirements. But I use my iPod Touch pretty much the way it was intended. Listening to music, keeping my life organized, checking email, and playing a few games – is about all I have time for when it comes to this little pocket computer.
To keep my life in sync I use iTunes on one computer. I have the process set up to sync manually. So whenever I connect my Touch to my Mac laptop it doesn’t start to sync right away. This way I can make changes to playlists and choose apps, videos, and pictures that I want on my device before it begins to do it’s thing.
Once I hit the “apply” button – the process begins. And backing up is the first step in that process. iTunes is really the only iPod backup software that I need.
According to the Apple website – it is important to understand the following:
Although iTunes backs up most of your device’s settings, downloaded applications, your audio, video, and photo content are not included in the backup.
I am guessing that this is why people look for third party back up programs. However, for me this is not an issue. As a Mac user – I take full advantage of Time Machine. So I know that my data is not only on my computer but also on an external drive. And because one can’t be too careful – I regularly backup my iPhoto, iTunes, and video libraries to DVD. In my mind, if my Apple Mac hard drive crashes, well having an iPod backup would be the least of my worries.
Finally, I did have the unfortunate opportunity to actually have to use an iPod backup from iTunes. The 30 pin connector on my son’s Touch became loose and would not stay connected to the computer. Luckily, I had been syncing the iPod Touch on a regular basis – so he had a very recent version on my hard drive. His main concern was his apps. He had earned so many points or levels on some game that he did not want to lose.
I took his device to the Apple Store (thankfully it was still covered under Apple Care). They could not fix it and had to replace the Touch with a refurbished model of the same generation (1st). I brought home this entirely fresh and blank iPod and restored his most recent backup in iTunes. It worked like a charm – everything came through just fine.
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For me, this was the ultimate test of what iPod backup software should do – and iTunes passed with flying colors.
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