Xplay 2 Description:

Xplay 2 review:
5 stars (how to share an iPod) - An undervalued feature of this software is its ability to let you read and write a Mac formatted iPod in Windows, both through its native XPlay interface and iTunes for Windows. Granted, the extra translation layer (borrowed directly from their MacDrive software) slows the process down a little but the flexibility is well worth it if, like me, you have both Macs and Windows machines. (NB: If you use MacDrive you don't need XPlay to access a Mac-formatted iPod in iTunes for Windows - that capability comes built in.)



I don't care for the native XPlay interface personally: why make something look and act like Windows Explorer when Explorer is only marginally functional? but more importantly, XPlay doesn't support Smart Playlists, to which I am addicted. I use it strictly for its cross-platform capability.



Overall I am happy with this software. It stays out of the way when I don't need it and works seemlessly when I do. If you're running Windows ME/2K/XP and have a Windows-formatted iPod I'm not sure what its value is, but if you're running and older version of Windows or (like me) want to share an iPod between a Mac and Windows, XPlay is indispensable.
5 stars (Why can't all software be this powerful and easy???) - I installed it and that is all there is too it. Within a minute of installing XPlay I was transfering music to my iPod. It was as easy as using any other disk on my Windows XP computer. I can do everything I did with iTunes, but it just feels better, more "Windows" with XPlay. It really is one of the easiest programs I have ever used.



Also, a friend of mine uses XPlay with his Windows Me system. With XPlay we were able to copy music off his iPod and save it to his PC. Pretty cool!!!



I was leary when I first read reviews on here about both XPlay and Mediafour as a company. I am not sure what experience others had on here, but for my money this is a first rate program.
1 stars (Poor documentation, arrogant customer support) - I have been buying software for computers for almost 20 years now, and this is one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a software purchase. Despite the fancy "iPod family" packaging, there is no manual in the box. The support info on the CD is skeletal, as is the website. Upon calling Media4 customer support, the individual I talked with knew next to nothing about the XP operating system - even though the program is marketed to both Windows and Mac users. There is better freeware out there that actually does what, as far as I can tell, Xplay only says it does.