Al Lustie's Tips and Tricks

How will you back up your apps, pictures and music from an IOS device (iPad, iPod, iPhone, iPad Mini)?

Some will back up to their iMac, a PC, a MacBook, or other computers.  Still others will back up to iCloud.  There is a problem with backing up to the iCloud.

Simply, the free space on iCloud can be used up quickly.  You only get 5GB of storage on iCloud at no charge.  This link takes you to a useful discussion of space:  http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20090887-248/how-much-icloud-storage-will-you-need/.  Check out Josh Lowensohn's discussion from August 14, 2011.  Or try this link:  http://mp3.about.com/od/digitalmusicfaq/f/iCloud-FAQ-Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-iCloud.htm.


If you have 8 gigabytes of music, for instance, on your iPod, you will need to spend another $20 to back up to iCloud.  Songs purchased from iTunes, and apps purchased from the App Store and books purchases from iBooks don't count towards your 5BG.  For most of us it will be pictures we haven't offloaded and music we downloaded from our CD collection (or LP Vinyl collection) that will use up space. 

I have chosen, for the most part, to back up to my iMac.  My wife is backed up to a PC on the main floor that is easy to use (via iTunes) and has plenty of space.  I back her iPad up when she is reading, or off teaching. 

There is no "right" answer -- you may need to try one or another of these possibilities until you find the one that works best for you.  Remember, however, that any app you have purchased you can reload at no charge. 

One thing you should use iCloud for is the "Find me. . . " app.  Find My iPad, Find My iPhone, and Find my iPod work well and are especially useful if your device is stolen, or it slips out of a pocket and is left somewhere like your favorite coffee shop. 



What do you do?  What thoughts cross your mind, what experiences are you having?  Leave a comment and let us in on your wisdom.

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 As life unfolds I am being asked more and more to help clients with iPads (I have two), iPods (I have the 5th generation Touch) and iPhones (I don't have one but I have friends who do).  All use IOS (the Operating System, or OS) and most are using IOS5 or IOS6.  IOS6 is the latest on 10/18/2012.

I find I have decisions to make about these devices, no matter which I own or use.  Let me share them here.

• Will I keep the apps and IOS updated?  Yes, or no.  (The best answer is usually "Yes".)
• What will I use the device for?  (I just received the iPod for my 75th BD, and use the reminders and notes feature.  I take it with me most places, and can jot down ideas, to-dos, etc. wherever I am, for instance. On the other hand, my seven-year old grandchild loves to play games.)
• When will I put the darned thin away?  I received an email from my friend Dave recently with pictures of people in various settings using their electronic devices.  At coffee with others, dinner with others, an art museum, the beach, a sports event, a date, etc.  It ends with this quotre:  Albert Einstein:
  "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of IDIOTS." 
• Will I allow others to use it? 

That's a good start. 

What do you think?  Share your ideas by leaving a comment.  We want to hear from you.