iPad setup question

[idleauk]

Hi,

I own an ipod which is sync'd to my Macbook.
My mum now owns an iPad which I propose to sync to the desktop PC.

Ideally there would be a new account for my mum, so that she pays for her purchases.

However, would we be able to share purchases using this method? i.e. on both iPod and iPad, given the different computers and accounts?

Or should I just sync the iPad to my macbook and do both under the same account? Or have my account on the desktop PC as well, and authorise both computers to work with both devices, and thus match the playlists on the two computers?

The process is all rather confusing - please help, I want to set it up tonight and start playing with the iPad! How do you think I should best set it up?

Thanks,
David

 

[bluedog3401]

The process in the USA for sharing files such as music, video and app purchases may not be the same as elsewhere. But this is how it goes in the U.S.

You can 'authorize' up to five computers to legally use your media purchased from the iTunes interface (music, videos, apps). To do so, log in to your mum's account on her computer then open iTunes. She can have her own iTunes account for her own purchases, but you can go in the menu option to "Authorize" her computer for using your apps and media.

Once done, both your and her computer will recognize and be able to share your content. You can dig into you "My Music" on windows to find your purchases or find it by right-clicking on the file in iTunes and show the file in its location.

Copy/email or put it on a CD to transfer it to the computer (your mum's in this case). She should be able to sync your content to her iPad, and if you authorize her account on your laptop the reverse should be true.

Hope this helps, there may be more concise instructions on Apple's website if you need it.

 

[idleauk]

Fantastic, many thanks for the advice - that sounds exactly what I wanted to achieve.

I have to say that I am mightily impressed with the iPad. Very intuitive and a pleasure to use.

Also very pleased that the TNT driver worked late to get round all his 300 or so apple deliveries today (on top of usual stuff of course)! (My mums came at about 6.15pm).