iPod nano (3rd gen) does not work with 3rd party software

I bought a new iPod nano about 2 weeks ago, before I had to send in the old computer in for repairs. I didn't think that was too much of a problem considering that I had a back up computer to operate from, since I could just charge the iPod off of the EEE PC, that wasn't so.

So it seems that Apple has decided to try and lock people into using iTunes only for uploading and downloading music to the newer generation iPods. What Apple has done is implement a hash check on the files in the iPod whenever files are synched. A hash check basically creates a code using the contents and the sizes of several files that must pass a test within in the iPod. If this hash file does not check against the files uploaded, the iPod does not list the songs as available to be played. An quick news posing on slashdot is here.

The big problem is that there is no iTunes for Linux and it's Linux variants for the time being, leaving people to hack the interface to work (it has been done) the problem being is that with the nature of Linux, one will find themselves needing to compile files for them to work... unfortunately in my case, the EEE PC does not have a C compiler to save space on the HD (which is theoretically downloadable, but I have yet to figure out how to do that yet). I have also yet to find any other players that will allow me to work the iPod nano with my EEE PC.

So, I am very unhappy with Apple for the time being. As soon as an easy to install hack is available, it's getting installed and that will be the end of the matter.