itunes manipulations

[Let'sgoflying!]

I need to cram only about 4 more songs on my iShuffle.

A) Is there a way to compress files so a couple more will fit?
B ) Would it be worthwhile to format the drive then reload everything?
C) If I use iTunes will it lock up songs I put on there from CDs or friends?

Its a half gig drive.

 

[jason]

I need to cram only about 4 more songs on my iShuffle.

A) Is there a way to compress files so a couple more will fit?

Not really. Both AAC and MP3 are both highly compressed formats. You could rip them at a slightly lower quality (e.g 128 kbps instead of 164 kbps) but the savings would be marginal at best.

B ) Would it be worthwhile to format the drive then reload everything?

Not really, it would likely take up the exact same amount of space when you got everything back on there (assuming that everything that is on there now is wanted/needed).

C) If I use iTunes will it lock up songs I put on there from CDs or friends?

Not anything that you rip yourself or is sent to you. Only things that you pay for and download through iTunes.

Its a half gig drive.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

tks Jason! (and any future responders)

 

[mikea]

Isn't there a new feature in iTunes to help you choose which songs to fill a shuffle the best?

You can do it with a msart list if you want to tip toe into that:
http://ask.metafilter.com/51633/Make-itunes-fill-up-my-ipod