iPad 2: The Missing Manual, 3rd Edition

Chapter 11. Sync and Share Media Files Using iTunes and iCloud

iTunes is a master of many trades. It’s a repository for all the audio, video, eBook, and podcast files in your media library. It converts CD tracks into digital files so you can play them on iPads, iPhones, and iPods. And it has its own online mall that you can pop into any time of day or night to buy the latest Susan Orlean audiobook, grab a copy of the new Adele album, or rent a digital download of X-Men: First Class.

Another cool feature of iTunes? It syncs any or all of your media to your iPad. (You may have already dabbled in a bit of this in Chapter 7 with the iTunes App Store, or in Chapter 8 when you read up on the iBookstore.) The latest version of iTunes even lets you download music, apps, and books you bought on other iOS devices to your tablet. And for $25 a year, the optional iTunes Match service lets you keep a copy of your music library safely up in the iCloud, Apple’s online storage locker (which itself is detailed in Chapter 16).

This chapter focuses on using iTunes in tandem with your tablet: that is, downloading Store purchases to your desktop or laptop computer whenever you want, and then getting them over to your iPad. (For more on mastering the art of iTunes itself, see Chapter 12.) So if you’re thinking of syncing, flip the page.

The iTunes Window

iTunes is your iPad’s best friend. You can do just about ...