Reflash without A/C adaptor?

[willfuller]

Hi,
This question probably comes up every time there's an ipod update issued. I'm away from home for 3 months. Brought my ibook and ipod but didn't think I'd need the A/C adaptor: just brought the USB cable. I've just installed the new ipod update and now the ipod is asking me to plug into the mains to reflash. Is there any way around this since I don't have the A/C adaptor with me, or will I just have to try and find someone who has an A/C adaptor I can use?

If it helps I'm using a 30GB ipod photo.

Thanks!

[kungfumath]

Why are you not using the Firewire cable? Does your book not have a F/wire port? I just hook up using the F/wire cable and it powers the iPod and updates. I don't have to also plug in the iPod to a power source. If you have this availability, find a F/wire cable and it should work fine.

[Makoto]

Apple decided to stop bundling a Firewire cable with iPods, if I remember correctly, and sell it separately. But I didn't know if they'd already implemented that.

But still, it's a good idea to bring the power adapter, anyway - you never know when or where you'll want to recharge the iPod. :D

[willfuller]

I didn't get a firewire cable with this ipod: its only a couple of months old. But if you're telling me it will reflash via firewire when it won't by USB, then I'll go out and get one!

Thanks!

[Makoto]

The newest USB cables (with the capability to provide power to/charge an iPod) only do so when plugged into a USB 2.0 port on the system, I think. As far as I know, previously, only the Firewire cables were designed to recharge/power the iPod (the power transformer that came with my 4G only has a connector for the Firewire cable, too.)

[K1W1]

If you have a USB2.0 port on the iBook it should be charging the iPod.
The easy way to tell is look at the iPod. Does it say it is charging when connected?
I think the only reason Apple ask you to have the AC adapter is so that your iPod does not die (flat batteries) during the flash procedure. If you start with a charged iPod there should be no problems anyway because the flash only takes a minute or two.

[kungfumath]

i got the iPod Photo when it first came out, so it was bundled with the dock and f/wire. I didn't know they didn't put the cable in the other pkgs. But the cable will work if you can get one.

[xlax999999]

I'll try to clear things up:

The 2G Mini's take less power so they do not require to be plugged in to do a firmware flash. A firmware flash happens not when the batteries die but rather when you update or restore your iPod. The Firewire cable carries enough power to not require a Plug-In for a firmware flash. I have an 60 Gig iPod Photo (I guess its just an iPod now ;)). I use USB (boo apple for not including Firwire anymore) and when I update the iPod software I must plug it into the wall to complete the install.

Hope that clears some of the Mud.

[ProfessorCuddles]

Would resetting the iPod help?

[xlax999999]

No, it needs a firmware flash. ^ see my previous post.