Ditch iTunes – iPod Shuffle Database Builder

“This little program enables iPod shuffle users to finally get rid of all that iTunes or other complicated playlist management stuff. Due to the simple structure of the shuffle (compared to the »big« iPods), it is possible to use the player almost like any other USB flash MP3 player: You simply copy MP3 files onto it. You only need to run the Database Builder program after you added or removed files from the iPod” –Link.

I like iTunes for a lot of things. It’s great for managing my music and video library, and it’s a nice interface for desktop playback.

What I don’t like is that it wants to reformat my Shuffle every time I am on a different computer. I don’t want to be shackled to iTunes and its opinion of where and how I should listen to my music. The database builder will let you move files to and from the Shuffle on your own terms, with whatever machine you are at, using any OS you wish.