July 22, 2005 12:37 AM PDT

iPod Special Report: USB 2.0 synchronization/data transfer problems

by CNET staff

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Several users reported issues transferring large data files via USB 2.0 on various iPod models.

In some cases, users are presented with an error message ("-31") while others simply notice a stall in transfer.

In virtually all cases, users are able to workaround the problem by using FireWire transfer instead of USB 2.0.

This is a major issue for purchasers of second-generation iPod minis, which include only a USB 2.0 cable -- a FireWire cable is an extra cost option.

MacFixIt reader Matt Cole writes:

"As stated during large file transfers using USB 2.0 it hangs at various times (moving DVD .img files 4 gigs). I have a third party IO gear USB 2.0/FireWire card. Overall the USB 2.0 interface is not stable at all, it does not allow the updating of the iPod via iTunes with my 4th generation iPod and but will on the 3rd generation, though it will sometimes not mount or dismount at its leisure. Firewire has never exhibited any of these problems."

Mark Bolick adds:

"I've had the same issues with both a fourth generation 20GB iPod and 40GB iPod Photo. Larger transfers of files and even audio books from Audible will inexplicably fail with an error -31 . The same transfers over the FireWire cable perform beautifully. I wondered if Apple was going to try and address this issue since they now will only include the USB cables, but so far, nothing.

Grant Symon writes:

"I have an iPod Photo, 60 GB, purchased soon after they were released. I can not copy large files over USB 2.0 (I'm a photographer working digitally and regularly have folders of >20 GB to move around). FireWire works fine. (My iPod was delivered with both USB and FW cables)

"I'm really disappointed that Apple appear to be dropping their vanguard support for Firewire. It is clearly such a superior technology to USB and yet they seem reluctant to push it."

Finally, DL Bertman reports on his experience with Apple's technical support department regarding this issue:

"I had the problem of trying to use USB 2.0 to synchronize my fourth generation iPod (40 GB) from my G5. It never worked. I called Apple tech support. After re-installing both my iPod software and my Mac OS, they had told me it must be the iPod, itself. I brought it back to the Apple Store and got a replacement. Again, same issue. This time I went to the Apple store and tried to sync it to one of their computers via USB 2.0 with one of their tech guys present. Of course, it didn't work, while the FireWire did. The Mac Genius guys finally did research and said Apple does not support Macs using USB 2.0 to sync the fourth generation iPods."

Bad USB 2.0 cables to blame in some cases? In some cases, it appears that users are able to work around this problem by obtaining a replacement USB 2.0 cable from Apple -- indicating that some cables may be malfunctioning.

MacFixIt reader Mike writes:

"I did have the same problem transferring to an iPod photo 40Gig. I replaced the original USB 2.0 cable with a replacement (through Apple Care) and all things are good. There seemed to be a possible short at the mold point where the connector connects to the base. When I would barely touch that area, the iPod would unmount."

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