Entered CNET Catalog: 04/29/2004
SKU: SERVREDCHAIRANAPODEXPLORER
Manufacturer: Red Chair Software
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/05/2004
Red Chair sells five versions of Anapod: one for Shuffles, one for Minis, one for Nanos, one for standard iPods, and a universal edition that supports them all. The last costs $30; the Mini, Nano, and standard editions are $25; and the Shuffle edition is a bargain at $20. The trial version (available here) is simple to use, but the purchase and installation processes are somewhat cumbersome. You first need to buy the software, download and install the program, click a link to send in an electronic token, then finally check your e-mail for the installation code that will let you fully activate the product. However, once you've paid, you can install Anapod on as many PCs as you like. Plus, paid users get free lifetime upgrades--a big plus, as Red Chair updates the program frequently.
 Anapod Explorer lets you drag and drop files through a Windows Explorer-like interface. |
The Anapod Explorer interface consists of a Windows Explorer-like screen that lets you drag and drop files to and from your iPod--no iTunes required. The display is boxy, utilitarian-looking, and not particularly attractive, but it makes up for its design with powerful features. From there, you can set folders for single-touch synchronization--one of our favorite features. Simply specify where you store your music, and Anapod Explorer will look for changes whenever you click the Sync button. It works with as many folders as you want.
From the main screen, you can view your tracks, play them directly from the iPod (without storing them on the computer), create playlists and MorphLists (which are akin to iTunes' SmartLists), and view your most recently transferred tracks. Plus, you can change the bit rate of songs as you copy them to your iPod, a handy space-saving feature, although it compromises sound quality to a certain extent.
Anapod Explorer comes with a second, more advanced tool called Xtreamer, which lets you view and play your iPod's contents through a Web browser interface on your computer. Even better, Xtreamer lets you stream music from your iPod across a local network or the Internet so that you (or anyone else) can access your music from remote locations--for instance, at work. If you have a direct Net connection, you can use your IP address to hook up to Anapod Explorer, but if you're behind a firewall or a gateway, you'll need to know how to configure port forwarding in order to access the music on your iPod remotely.
To get the most out of this app, we recommend that you consult its long, illustrated online manual, the OmniTome. The guide comes in handy, not just because Anapod Explorer does so much, but because it's far from the most intuitive program we've encountered.
Red Chair makes similar programs that add Anapod-like functionality to the Dell Digital Jukebox (Dudebox Explorer), as well as Creative Nomads (Notmad Explorer), Rios (Riorad), and iRiver players (iRivium).
User opinions
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User Rating: 
2/10
Anapod incompatible with Vista. Customer Support SUCKS!
Pros: Nothing so far since I cannot get it to work with Vista.
Cons: I have written numerous email to the support people at Red Chair...other than an automated response I have had no other help at all. They seem to not care about good customer support. If you need support don't expect it.
User Rating: 
1/10
Redchair is out of business; product not supported now
Pros: Was a great product when Redchair was a working company. Look at their homepage and last update date and copyright date and draw your own conclusion.
Cons: Requires a specific activation code for your iPod's serial number. My iPod was replaced and I tried to contact them for a replacement code, never answered. Searched web and found lots of hits under Anapod bankrupt.
Don't bother downloading this, you'll never be able to get the activation code to make it work.
User Rating: 2/10
Draconian licensing, no support, shuffle ver. is lame
Pros: It's not iTunes - small footprint, doesn't screw with your computer or your library.
Cons: Be prepared to pay for extra licences when you buy new iPods. Shuffle version is crippled - not being able to move more than one song at a time in play order is a huge drawback. Customer support nonexistant.
User Rating: 1/10
Beware Seems to be a ripoff site
Pros: ease of use, simplicity of design, great way around itunes
Cons: Zero customer service. If you buy a new Ipod it will never recognize it even if you buy the software again. It tells you to wait for customer service to email you which never happens. It is no exaggeration to say there is ZERO customer service.
User Rating: 1/10
DO NOT BUY - Company provides no EMAIL or CONTACT
Pros: None, it does not work
Cons: Company takes your money, Product is misrepresented as I think it limits how many IPODS you can connect, I would not know now as I cannot activate the software and there are no avaiulable terms and conditions on the company website. Others have same
User Rating: 1/10
I totally agree with Geist420...
Pros: I wish I could tell you what I like. I'm sure it's very good software, but I can get it activated so I wouldn't know.
Cons: I've completed the online svc request form twice, sent emails, still no help. I told them I was going to do a charge back to get my $$$ back if they didn't respond, and still no reply. Support is nonexistent - requests go into a black hole.
User Rating: 
6/10
Needs iPod touch support!!
Pros: Syncs perfectly with older ipods. I loved using it on my 5G 30gb iPod, 1 & 2G nanos, and 1G & 2G shuffles.
Cons: Doesn't sync with my iPod touch. Several companies have already made "work arounds" for Windows users yet Red Chair hasn't. It needs better photo syncing support (e.i.: I can't find the photos I've put on or delete them)
User Rating: 1/10
NO support - incompatible with Vista - and no support
Pros: Used to be decent - free upgrades of broken software
Cons: Zero support, zero email response, Vista breaks it
User Rating: 1/10
Bad software, zero support
Pros: None worth speaking of
Cons: The company are crooks
User Rating: 
3/10
inferior product with non existent user support
Pros: fair file transfer
Cons: non existent user support
User Rating: 1/10
Tech UN-Support
Pros: None None None
Cons: All All All All
User Rating: 2/10
Program sucks
Pros: Explorer allows you to access Ipod
Cons: Continually loses files
Their Tech Support is non-existent. I've emailed questions and not even a courtesy response.
Do not buy this product.
User Rating: 1/10
Can Someone Get Back to Me
Pros: None, because I cant't get the software I paid for.
Cons: Can't download software after paying for it.
Can anyone help me with his problem?
User Rating: 1/10
Installation errors -- Use a free alternative instead
Pros: Has some features present in free alternatives
Cons: Bogus installation errors and more
The installer throws me an error saying that it's expired. Yup -- the installer for the NEWEST version of their software, that I had JUST downloaded, had expired. I tried twice more with no luck. An email to the support address returned an automated response with instructions for troubleshooting. Rather than fix the problem on their end, they send out an automated email with workaround instructions.
Anapod seems to think the problem is on my end, and it told me to set my system time/date correctly. It was set correctly; I had to set it back three weeks in order for the installer to work.
Once installed, I had to register my iPod with Anapod Explorer, and I got a dialogue box telling me that I would have to wait up to 12 hours in order for them to verify that I had paid.
One of the reasons I don't want to use iTunes is because I don't want to jump through these kinds of hoops. The presence of obstacles like this in Anapod Explorer makes it a weak alternative to iTunes.
The website for Anapod Explorer also a long list of caveats if you want things to work properly -- have fun messing with the Windows registry editor if you want to ensure that the contents of your iPod don't get rendered useless.
If only I'd spent a bit more time researching, I would have found out that I can do everything I want to for free using the clumsily named but very capable "ml_iPod" (that's ML, not MI) for WinAmp. I'm using it now, though, and it's a great tool. No fuss, no muss, open source, no registration hoops to jump through, no "expired installers," and no reason to complain about unresponsive tech support because (a) it's free, and (b) you're not going to need it anyway.
In short: There are free alternatives to Anapod Explorer that do the job just as well, and that don't force you to troubleshoot intentionally crippled downloads. Go with ml_iPod for now; in the future I'd recommend Amarok or Songbird when there are stable Windows releases.
User Rating: 1/10
avoid at all costs
Pros: cannot even install
Cons: if you like to waste money, this is excellent choice
User Rating: 2/10
Do not buy this product!!! Your iPod will be corrupted and Red Chair support is non-existent!
Pros: Well marketed on their website and you get to try the product free!
Cons: Free lifetime updates are a joke! You cannot get a response from these people by begging, pleadng, petitions, or threats! They don't care! They got your money and you're on your own!!!
User Rating: 1/10
Support Sucks
Pros: More features than iTunes
Cons: Expensive - NO SOFTWARE SUPPORT
If it works well for you then I guess you are all set - if not these people will not answer emails sent from their 'support' (haha) page. In short I think they suck.
User Rating: 1/10
absolute garbage
Pros: cost is high enough to spare many people the agony of using it
Cons: Flat out doesn't work
1. It claims to integrate the ipod into windows explorer. It doesn't. what it does is place an icon in "my computer" which in turn opens an incomprehensible interface. Even that is inaccessible from any place else in the explorer
2. Search function doesn't do anything.
3. Can't open ipod files in any other app than itunes even though it offers to.
4. anapod "explorer" hangs frequently
5. anapod "browser" does not access correct files when trying to stream.
6. Has anybody figured out how to copy files with this thing ? I haven;t
User Rating: 1/10
Better hope it works
Pros: Software works well when it works
Cons: Non-existant customer support
Now they have my money for a new registration and I can not get the product to work at all.
I'll be stopping payment for this one.
User Rating: 1/10
Use Red Chair Software at your own risk
Pros: None none none
Cons: Everything,
User Rating: 1/10
Non-Existant Customer Service
Pros: Software is okay (but there are better ones out there)
Cons: Customer service is non-existant! Beware of this company
This is a follow-up to my previous review. After 3 weeks of nil response to my e-mails, I've written this company off as one to be avoided and forgotten. They will take your money gladly, but provide nothing by way of support, not even a replyto their e-mails. I think it's s scam operation, probably working out of a basement or garage. I've deleted Anapod from my mahine and instead went with Media Monkey which does much, much more and is supported by a real company. (I'm in no way affiliated with Media Monkey).
Anyaway, Caveat Emptor with Red Chair -- I just hoep I save someone the grief I've had to live with.
User Rating: 2/10
Freezes and no support
Pros: Can move pods from iPod to PC
Cons: Freezes, freezes, freezes, oh...and it freezes
User Rating: 1/10
No technical support
Pros: None-can't get product to work
Cons: No response in a week from tech support
Will attempt to get a refund. Buy this product at your own risk. It
User Rating: 
4/10
OK Product, Terrible Support
Pros: Explorer Based
Cons: Terrible Support
User Rating: 2/10
Great for breaking my iPod!
Pros: Easy to use, seems to have very useful features
Cons: Forced me to reformat my iPod to get it to work
But then I actually tried to use my iPod. It had been working fine. But after anapod got through with it, the iPod just didn't work right. Whatever song or audiobook I picked, it would display the title and then skip to the next one. Only if I hit the play/pause button, waited a second, and hit it again would it play any songs. And after that, it would just skip to the next one.
I restored my iPod (having used the very useful CopyPod utility to back up my songs), removed anapod, and all was well with the world.
User Rating: 4/10
Software is faulty
Pros: The idea behind this software is good
Cons: The software is faulty and you will get no support for it
One more thing to consider: As Redchair provides absolutely no support you will most likely get no help if you ever experience any problem with Anapod. They have a support form on their website but you will never get any answer from them.
User Rating: 1/10
AVOID like the PLAGUE, NO SUPPORT
Pros: Nice Software
Cons: NO SUPPORT AT ALL
The support for this software has improved, that was my main complaint, but it has excellent features for interaction between IPOD and your PC. Far exceeds ITUNEs in the fact of it's sleek and clean interface, easy to use and not proprietary.
User Rating: 1/10
RED CHAIR SOFTWARE has declared BANKRUPTSY!
Pros: They DO know how to take your money quickly!
Cons: FORGET CUSTOMER SUPPORT!
Unfortunately, Red Chair Software has declared bankruptsy and has gone out of business.
That must be why they haven't responded to my scores of email support requests.
If you get am email response from any of these email addresses, let me know. (Subject line should read: "Activation Issue")
cardinal@redchairsoftware.com, rouge@redchairsoftware.com, ip@redchairsoftware.com, service@redchairsoftware.com, press@redchairsoftware.com.
RED CHAIR SOFTWARE is a WASTE of MONEY!!!!!
What the hell is it with me and CRAPPY companies that are supposed to provide service, BUT DON'T?
We all know that the spat between Microsoft and Apple causes our programs to "not play together nicely in the sandbox", and some companies have developed ways to get around this. One company of a-holes, Red Chair Software, came out with the Anapod Explorer to rip-off the public under the guise of helping to ease the MS/APPLE issues.
When all I had was my one 3rd generation iPod, the software worked, and all was right with the world. Then we got iPod #2, and the start of my problems began...
Turns out, that my "3rd generation" software cost $25, but a "Universal Edition" was $30. When all I had was the one iPod, there was no question. Turns out, though that the one for 5 bucks more will work with "all of a family's iPods".
Why do they do this? One word: Confusion. See, IF you buy the "3rd generation" version and get another iPod later on, you are forced to buy ANOTHER $25 version. If you had purchased the $30 "Universal Version" in the first place, it would automatically cover the new iPod.
Why wouldn't they just sell the more expensive version, and be done with it? Again, CONFUSION. If you are confused about their product, they can sell another $25 version, then they've almost DOUBLED their bottom line. But the public wouldn't STAND for a company who marketed software that only worked with one iPod at a time. So they've got DENIABILITY.
Red Chair Software can say: "We've got one version that covers ALL your iPods." And LOOK like the good guys. But they're not. Part of the cost of software is SUPPOSED to cover "normal" support. RED CHAIR SOFTWARE DOES NOT GIVE SUPPORT TO THEIR USERS.
Each version of this software is SUPPOSED to work on WHATEVER computer you put it on. So, I've got it on my home and work PC's. Only thing is, THIS CRAP ANAPOD SOFTWARE FROM RED CHAIR SOFTWARE RECOGNIZES MY IPOD AS ANOTHER NEW G-DAMN IPOD AT WORK, THAN IT DOES AT HOME!!!
This means I have to BUY ANOTHER LICENSE from these a-holes at Red Chair Software - so this crappy software will work on my office PC!!!
Well, "F" that, Red Chair Software. You burned me for $50, and that's all you'll get from me.
I've emailed them NUMEROUS times, and they will NOT answer my emails.
(Now before you say: "Gee BG, you're all "F" this and ****** that, no wonder they don't write you back." Please know that I sent them 4 emails and a web form that were extremely polite. - AFTER WEEKS of not getting back to me, THAT'S when I put the BOXING GLOVES ON.)
To my readers: If you'd like to drop them a line, and ask them HOW they think they can continue to operate like this and NOT create a HORRIBLE REPUTATION as "RED CHAIR SOFTWARE - the WORST SOFTWARE ON THE PLANET", you can reach them at: cardinal@redchairsoftware.com, service@redchairsoftware.com, rouge@redchairsoftware.com, press@redchairsoftware.com, or ip@redchairsoftware.com (Or EVEN all FIVE!!!)
Maybe if they get innundated with the public's emails, they will reconsider their fraudulent ways. (Or at LEAST answer a few of their emails!)
User Rating: 2/10
ok software,no customer support
Pros: works with windows 98 and ME
Cons: no customer support at all
User Rating: 2/10
Dont' touch!
Pros: Great functionality
Cons: Zero support. Licence tied to ipod.
User Rating: 3/10
Horrific Customer Support
Pros: Fine for really old ipods or music only transfers
Cons: Horrific Video Support & NO CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
Anapod is seriously wanting for the following reasons:
1) No Video category functionality: Anapod can only be used copy video files to the 'Music Video' ipod menu. There is no functionality to have videos in the 'podcasts' or 'movies' ipod menus. (note: iTunes has this functionality)
2) Anapod offers no ability to create Video Playlists!
3) Installation without internet access will likely be a big hassle due to Redchair's unnecessary 'activation' process. (Note: I did not personally have any problems activating anapod with internet access but I have heard from user who have)
4) Most importantly RedChair have horrible technical / customer support. There is no information on there support website about any of the problems I have noted. Neither I nor any user's I have talked to have received any replies to technical support requests made via redchairs online forms and email.
Note: The version this review is based on is:
Anapod Explorer Universal Edition V.9.0.0
I feel I should also quickly note that anapod explorer worked fine to manage music files to and from the ipod. I just want to be sure that no-one that reads this will have any misconseption about anapod very limited ability to manage video file. RedChair's website is very misleading:
..."No other iPod software supports your iPod as fully and completely as does Anapod Explorer. This includes robust support for Music, Photos, Videos"...
(http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/featpw.php)
ANAPOD DOES NOT HAVE ROBUST SUPPORT FOR VIDEOS!!!!!!
DO NOT BUY!!
User Rating: 
10/10
Drag and drop iTunes killer!
Pros: Drag and drop files the way it should be and a lot more.
Cons: I did not come across any yet.
Drag and drop files the way it should be and a lot more.
User Rating: 
8/10
Good Product - Use for Album Artwork Also?
Pros: Easy to Use
Cons: Cant Transfer Album Artwork to iPod?
Anyone know how to get Album Artwork/Covers into iPod using Anapod Explorer? How about transferring MP3 files into Anapod Manager for transfer to iPod?
User Rating: 2/10
Horrible, non-existent support
Pros: Can't find any since it has destroyed the ability for my Ipod to communicate with my computer
Cons: Everything about it and the people who make it!
This thing has destroyed my enjoyment of my Ipod
User Rating: 3/10
Good software but Support is non existant
Pros: Good application
Cons: Lack of Support . Several emails sent and no responses
User Rating: 1/10
AVOID this software!
Pros: Fast trasfers when it worked
Cons: Worst support ever
Why pay for software when you won't get help when you need it?
User Rating: 2/10
Unreliable - Watch out. Nightmare..songs erased. Doesnt copy everything
Pros: iTunes alternative
Cons: Clumsy interface, unreliable transfers , poor customer service
Itunes may not do all the things Anapod does, but at least I wont wake up one day with my playlists jumbled up or even worse, songs erased.
BTW, I emailed customer support about my problems..they never replied. $30 down th drain
User Rating: 4/10
Good but flawed
Pros: Uses Explorer interface, easy drag and drop
Cons: Uses Explorer interface, doesn't handle art as indicated in manual, poor help files, requires constant reactivation, no native MP3 encoding support, technical support is not answered
User Rating: 1/10
Do not buy from Red Chair
Pros: I derived no benefit from this software
Cons: Cannot install, no technical support, will not refund
User Rating: 6/10
Good soft but limited installs
Pros: Fast software
Cons: Nooo support from Red Chair ..what so ever
cheers xatnep
User Rating: 1/10
Buyer Beware
Pros: They are great advertisers
Cons: They provide zero support
User Rating: 2/10
All most useless
Pros: I can't find any Pros
Cons: No Support
User Rating: 
5/10
Anapod Explorer 8.95a Has Issues
Pros: Nice Explorer Like Interface, easy to use
Cons: Calculates free disk space on the ipod incorrectly, will not transfer standard jpg pictures to my 30 gig IPod. Tech support will not reply to multiple emails concerning these issues.
User Rating: 4/10
Non-Existent Customer Support & Documentation
Pros: Ability to drag & drop songs to and from your PC
Cons: No downloadable documentation. Unresponsive tech support
The only documentation for the Anapod is on their website. Red Chair offers no downloadable, searchable documentation for users. Emails to their customer service go unanswered. If you can do without Red Chair tech support then you should give Anapod a try. Otherwise I recommend you look elsewhere.
User Rating: 10/10
works very well with ipod
Pros: fast, many features
Cons: not i can think of
(management, fast(!!) search, reports, tagging, correct genre recognition,
copying back and forth) with a total lack of bad coding (hogging the iPod
connection, failing to recognize my catalog file, failing to end the iPod
connection) that recurs in iTunes (PC).
I have tried many others as well as the Anapod trial) and some had
potential, but not ALL the features I required.
User Rating: 10/10
worth it for me
Pros: lots of interesting features
Cons: hoping they add more
decent ipod experience. My much-coveted drag-and-drop was there, and I
particular loved the "shuffle" feature. And come on! Integrated into
Windows? I mean, isn't THIS what it's all about, I MEAN!!! Copy and Paste???
Oh, yeah!!! A WEB INTERFACE? Too cool. And speed? Well, what can I say? This
thing just BLASTS up onto the screen! I'm a 2-day user now, and I must say
I'm totally stoked.
User Rating: 10/10
my comment
Pros: copy to pc, real windows interface
Cons: just found it, great so far
not with the software - specifically, there were many problems with backup
etc. if used ITunes with a small computer so want to *delete* files from
the computer but keep them *on the IPod* - there was no simple way to copy
groups of files from Ipod to computer. Needed real windows-explorer-like
funtionality, which you provide.
User Rating: 10/10
Great for Ipod Shuffle
Pros: makes using shuffle much easier
Cons: haven't found any
developing an easy setup, great user interface, superior functionality. Speaking
of functionality, Anapod does exactly what I was looking for and exactly what
itunes didn't provide.
User Rating: 10/10
oh baby this is what i needed
Pros: sets up easy, no more itunes
Cons: i can't think of cons
i downloaded the trial version and bingo / bango i am humming right
along i love this RED CHAIR
now i need to get all of the itunes junk unloaded from my registery
and i'll never look back
fyi my interest is audible . com and books RED CHAIR works so
well i was tninking of naming my cat red chair
User Rating: 10/10
great company with great products
Pros: perfect for the ipod
Cons: wish it came with the ipod
much software, but you guys are a company I love supporting and sending
business. Keep up the good work!
User Rating: 10/10
Good alternative to iTunes
Pros: easy to use, good support docs
Cons: none so far
did have a problem copying all the tracks from my library to my iPod when using
the Send To option in Windows. I found the solution in your support pages
straight away and this resolved the issue for me - excellent!
User Rating: 3/10
confusing, and messes up your iTunes - warning!
Pros: Easy way to move files from iPod to your desktop
Cons: ugly interface, screws up your iTunes interface
User Rating: 
9/10
Blows away iTunes!
Pros: Intuitive-drag and drop interface (just like Windows Explorer). Allows you to move mp3 files to/from your iPod to your PC. Universal Edition supports multiple iPod devices (Photo, Mini, and Shuffle)
Cons: None as of yet. I licensed it about 30 days ago.
User Rating: 2/10
Try this its free, Been using it since I got my iPod
Pros: Never used this above, I refuse to pay for software these days, too much free stuff on the net
Cons: It costs money
http://www.ephpod.com/
User Rating: 5/10
Neat Explorer type Prog, but bad issues for $25
Pros: Works like windows explorer and is easier than Itunes
Cons: Need constant internet connection, not good for soldiers/students or reinstallers
However.... the website does not state you need a constant online connection to use it. This is VERY misleading and I have asked them to put this in the FAQ but they wisely do not. I bought the $25 version and am now in Iraq. I reformatted my laptop and my original installation program wouldnt work as the actual .exe file expires. So I wait another week to get to a computer on base to download the newer version. I then wanted to install my a new ipod as my first one was destroyed here and I needed an internet connection to do so as well. Make that 2 more trips to a computer, total of 1.5 weeks waiting. Even after getting a manual activation key I still needed to get to a computer to get Redchairs permission. And wait...........and wait.........and wait..... Mind you, Iraq, internet and communication do not mix. It is incredibly frustrating that I cannot use a program I paid for without being online. Had I known this I wouldn't have even considered buying it.
Pros and Cons of the current April 2005 version.......
Should you never have to reinstall windows or never leave home or never get a new ipod. Then you will like this program because it works like Explorer and there are constant updates with few bugs.
If you deploy, live in tents in the desert or just want to carry all your installer programs to reinstall windows on the run, then you might want to reconsider buying it as the $25 software is useless without internet at your fingertips.
