TuneRanger
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Synching iTunes Libraries Take 2: Syncopation
After testing TuneRanger over the past few days and not getting very good results, yesterday I had a chance to test Sonzea's Syncopation, which was recommended by several TUAW readers. Like TuneRanger, Syncopation works by synchronizing multiple iTunes libraries. Unlike TuneRanger, Syncopation is a Universal Binary Mac-only product. Syncopation has a free 30-day demo which you can install on one computer. For access to all program features you must buy the full license for $24.95. This allows you to synchronize up to 5 Macs. The initial install was simple, and I had it up and running quickly -- until I discovered I was quickly running out of space on my Mac Mini. Normally, the mini uses an external drive for the iTunes library given that space on the core drive is limited. I wrote to the developer who responded quickly.
Hands on with Tune Ranger
I went hands on with Smith Micro's TuneRanger application. TuneRanger, which retails for $30, allows you to synchronize iTunes libraries across your local network. Let me start by saying this is going to be a very mixed review. The idea behind TuneRanger is brilliant. You can merge, synchronize, or transfer your iTunes library and when you update on different computers, TuneRanger will sync those changes so your library is the same regardless of the computer. Your single license allows you to use the program on up to 5 computers, both Mac and Windows. The problem with TuneRanger is that I couldn't recommend it to my mom or some friends without knowing in advance that I'd be spending significant time on the phone for support. It's just buggy, complicated, and crashy enough to make that a problem while at the same time it's powerful and reliable enough for anyone who has reasonable computer savvy. It's more of a "I'll come over on Saturday and sync your system" package than a "Just download this and press the button" one. Take for example, the standard sync options. I expected that I could select Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, Audio Books, etc. Instead, the program uses file types: mp3, m4p, m4a, m4b, aac, ipg, etc. So on my initial syncs, none of my unusual file types transferred; plus I had to hand-edit out m4v and mp4 to keep my video collection from slowing down the works. Once edited, there was no "revert to standard" button option, so it's a good thing I wrote down the names of the file types that I'd taken out. The program is just marginally stable rather than fully stable. I could transfer data when running from my G4 Power PC, but for some reason the program balked whenever I tried running from my Intel Mac Mini and connecting to the Power PC server. I dealt with several crashes -- not a big deal because the next sync simply skips the items that had finished -- plus errors. The error message was this: "Error," which is not very helpful when you're trying to figure out why a problem occurred. Also be aware that the process is slooooow. In addition to any normal network bandwidth issues, the program's processing overhead means this is an overnight or multi-day process that you're looking at. So here's the bottom line: TuneRanger is an app that I know I'm going to love but one that still needs a little growing and maturing before I can whole-heartedly tell people to buy it without caveats.
