How Do I Use my iPod and iPad with Multiple Computers?

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions that I get after I set someone up with their iPod or iPad for the first time.  Months or even years after they've been enjoying their music and videos they get a new computer.   When you plug your iPod into a different computer from which it was originally synchronized, you get a warning message.  You see, by default, your device is set to "Automatically sync songs…," sometimes called automatic mode. To transfer music from multiple computers, your device must be set to "Manually manage music," sometimes referred to as manual mode.
Automatic Mode
When your device is set to automatic mode, iTunes automatically updates your device's music library whenever you connect it to your computer. iTunes transfers new songs you've added and erases songs you've removed. The first computer you connect your device to is its "home" computer. The music library from that computer is copied to your device. When you connect your device to a different computer, an alert box appears with this message:

If you want to delete the music library on your iPod and make the new computer its "home" computer, choose Erase and Sync. iTunes will delete all songs and playlists on your device, and then will copy the music library and playlists from the new home computer to your device.  (Warning: if the new computer doesn't have any songs in the iTunes library, then nothing will be synced and your iPod will be left empty)
If you want to move the iTunes Store purchases on your device to the new computer, choose "Transfer Purchases." The new computer must be set up with your iTunes Store account and authorized to play your iTunes Store purchases in order to transfer your iTunes Store purchases.
Manual Mode 
If you want to keep the music library on your device, but copy songs or playlists from the music library on the second computer, click Cancel when the dialog box appears, and then set your device to manual mode.
Change the device synchronization mode to manual mode in iTunes:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Select your device under Devices in the menu on the left-hand side of iTunes
3. Click the Summary tab.
4. Click "Manually manage music and videos" to enable that option. 
5. Click OK in the resulting dialog box. 
6. Click Apply.

It is normal for your device to take a few seconds to change from automatic mode to manual mode.
When in manual mode, to add songs or playlists, drag them from iTunes to the device icon in the sidebar. To remove songs or playlists, select them on the device in iTunes and press the delete key. You can also create playlists directly on the device.

Happy Clicking,
Betsy
The PC Teacher
bcoyne@thepcteacher.com