Macs are still overlooked most of the time

[_BG]

Syncing the Instinct with a Mac isn't exactly a seamless process. Trying to make the memory card in the phone pop up in Mac OSX doesn't really work too well. Right now we are stuck with being able to tether the Instinct and use it as a modem (which is a big feature in my opinion).

For instructions on tethering refer to my post in the How To section -- viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2

Any other mac related updates will be posted here, be sure to post some of your own if you find any!

[svengoody]

As far as connecting your Instinct to a Mac, here is what works for me.

1) Plug the connector cable into the Instinct.
2) Make sure you're on your home screen and press the voice command button.
3) Plug the USB end of the connector cable to your Mac.
4) Drag music, photos and videos into the appropriate folder locations on the card.
5) Eject the Instinct from the Mac.


While I'm on the Mac issue, I've been asked a lot about converting videos for the Instinct. I use three programs, depending on the source file.

1) DVD source - HANDBRAKE, a free open-source app.
1A) use the MPEG-4, AAC audio
1B) Reduce the file size to a bit rate of about 700 kbps. Any more than that won't really matter on this size of a screen.
1C) If you wish, resize the picture to 432x240, 432x224 etc.

2) If your source is either an AVI, WMV, MKV or other file type, I recommend using Visual Hub, or it's little brother, iSquint.

3) Quicktime, with the PERIAN plugin, will also convert most file types.
3A) Choose Export
3B) Choose MP4 Improved
3C) Choose a bit rate of about 900.
3D) resize the video if desired.

I know this might be a lot of info, but I struggled with these things for several days since I couldn't seem to find answers online. I love my instinct, but wish it was a bit more Mac Friendly.

[_BG]

As far as connecting your Instinct to a Mac, here is what works for me.

1) Plug the connector cable into the Instinct.
2) Make sure you're on your home screen and press the voice command button.
3) Plug the USB end of the connector cable to your Mac.
4) Drag music, photos and videos into the appropriate folder locations on the card.
5) Eject the Instinct from the Mac.


While I'm on the Mac issue, I've been asked a lot about converting videos for the Instinct. I use three programs, depending on the source file.

1) DVD source - HANDBRAKE, a free open-source app.
1A) use the MPEG-4, AAC audio
1B) Reduce the file size to a bit rate of about 700 kbps. Any more than that won't really matter on this size of a screen.
1C) If you wish, resize the picture to 432x240, 432x224 etc.

2) If your source is either an AVI, WMV, MKV or other file type, I recommend using Visual Hub, or it's little brother, iSquint.

3) Quicktime, with the PERIAN plugin, will also convert most file types.
3A) Choose Export
3B) Choose MP4 Improved
3C) Choose a bit rate of about 900.
3D) resize the video if desired.

I know this might be a lot of info, but I struggled with these things for several days since I couldn't seem to find answers online. I love my instinct, but wish it was a bit more Mac Friendly.

Good info for the video converting. I personally have been using Xilisoft Video Converter (and Handbrake), I haven't tried doing it without resizing to the Instinct's native resolution (432x240 like you said), but when you do resize it the videos look great.

I'll give those other programs a shot.

[caretaker]

[quote="svengoody"]As far as connecting your Instinct to a Mac, here is what works for me.

1) Plug the connector cable into the Instinct.
2) Make sure you're on your home screen and press the voice command button.
3) Plug the USB end of the connector cable to your Mac.
4) Drag music, photos and videos into the appropriate folder locations on the card.
5) Eject the Instinct from the Mac.


I keep getting disconnected; if I have the 'connect to computer' button on before I plug in the usb it gives the notice to plug in the usb and the phone plug and when I push the connect button after it's plugged in - well, I'm not on home page anymore then, and the icon loads, and disconnects itself, and the button is back to off. It's hard to believe I can't wire this thing up with the cord provided, just like a camera or flash card. I must be overlooking something.

Dateline, the day after; it looks like it just can't be done...... I'll have to use the adapter and reader. Do you think it's the computer or the phone that won't allow the blessed union? If it's the computer, BOOOO Apple! I love you but you done me wrong.

[kineticone]

No problems on this end. Just plugged it in and it was recognized as a USB drive right away. Transfer music and video as easy as drag/drop.

I've had great luck with 3gp video and just installed all the updates to get the mp4's playing. Handbrake is the way to go from DVD rips and Quicktime Pro does perfect exports from everything else.

I'm running a G5, OSX 10.5.6