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[elpaolo]

I downloaded the new iTunes version and I'm impressed with the use of screen real estate.  Apple even seems to have improved the response time for clicking around various parts of the screen / my collection, at least for the PC version I'm using.  Nonetheless, I'm still a devout MC user and evangelist.  iTunes has a long way to go in media management.

Regardless of that, I DO like the aesthetic.  So, any volunteers to tackling an updated MC port of the iTunes GUI?   

Is it even possible to sorta crunch the top of the MC window down to create more space below?

[lalittle]

Just out of curiosity, are there any issues with installing iTunes on the same system as MC11?  When iTunes first came out, there were some potential issues in this regard, and you had to be very careful to "turn off" some of the iTunes settings in order to keep it from messing up the way songs were stored on the system.  Is this still the case?  If so, what precautions are necessary, and what settings must be changed?

Thanks,

Larry

[pank2002]

I remember it not being able to run on my 1.1Ghz machine with 256mb ram and Win2k. Is it still a resource hog? Will you post a screenshot?

[JimH]

Here's one:

[JimH]

And here's the Metal skin on MC11:

[KingSparta]

Just out of curiosity, are there any issues with installing iTunes on the same system as MC11?

No I Installed it the other day to play podcasts, and to do a bit of research, no problems

MC11 Has More Buttons 

[JimH]

Here's the latest version of the MC11 skin:



And here's the link to install it:

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/765.mjp

Thanks to J. Douglas for the skin.

[hit_ny]

What is the difference between the 2 apple skins that Jim posted for MC ?

All i see is 1 button (top left) less in the later one. No Stop button.

Is that the aesthetic diff the orig poster was talking about ?

[GHammer]

Here's the latest version of the MC11 skin:

And here's the link to install it:

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/765.mjp

Thanks to J. Douglas for the skin.

Thanks, I like this skin.

[runemail]

The new iTunes have no brushed metal. brushed metal is soo 2003

[bob]

To tell the truth, I'm not too impressed with the iTunes changes. Since I've played with it on and off since it came out (actually even before when it was SoundJam), it's sort of like, ho hum to me. Since the functionality is what I look for, I didn't even notice the change in appearance at first. I was looking for new functions! They added the ability to put playlists into folders but it looks like one cannot select multiple playlists at one time to move into a folder of playlists. I have had trouble with it in 2k if I add a removable device and then remove it without rebooting. iTunes pops up a warning message about not having a disk in the drive (several times).

As far as the settings go to: Edit->Preferences ipod tab (which only works with the ipod plugged in!) and turn off "Open iTunes when this iPod is attached". That should remove the conflict with MC.

[pank2002]

Thanks, I like this skin.

Yeah, me to! The lesser button is actually great! Can somebody post what you have to do to make other skins like that?

I'm particularly thinking of Opus Mc since it matches the rest of my system's look :-)

[lalittle]

I haven't used the newer versions of iTunes, but when I DID try it, the problem I had with it was the same problem I have with a lot of electronics components these days, which is they way apple puts the "appearence" of simplicity above ACTUAL simplicity, and "style" above "functionality," which is a hallmark of apple's design approach.  There seems to be an attitude these days that "less is always better" when it comes to controls/buttons.  Companies are afraid that consumers will be "put off" by a somewhat complex interface (which is true to a certain extent) so they "simplify" the interface to the point that it doesn't "look" complex anymore.  The problem is that they take this attitude too far.  What both the companies and the consumer don't seem to understand is that this approach can have the OPPOSITE effect -- i.e. it can make using the product even MORE complicated due to the lack of easy access to common functions.

There is a balance that can be achieved in this regard where the interface is still "powerful" without being overly "complicated," and in my opinion MC strikes this balance.  iTunes, on the other hand, most definitely does not.  It has a very "clean" interface, but it achieves this by sacrificing power and capability, which to me is NOT a good trade off for this type of product.  I use MC precisely because it does NOT make these sacrifices -- it offers more power than some may think they need at first, but as you get to know the program, you find that you actually DO want this power, and the extra capabilities of MC are the very reason people prefer it over other applications.

Larry

[Galley]

Sorry, but Jim's screenshot was iTunes 4.x.  here is 5.0.

 

[JimH]

You're correct.  It was 4.9.  My mistake.  I assumed it was 5.0 because it came with the new Motorola ROKR phone.  Little change except for the image in the lower left.