iPod mini (Second Generation): Quirkiness when charging over high power USB 1.x ports; Pausing during play

Quirkiness when charging over high power USB 1.x ports Several readers have noted odd behavior -- also experienced in-house -- when attempting to charge second generation iPod minis via high-power USB 1.x ports as found on a number of discontinued Macintosh models. [Second generation iPod minis only include a USB 2.0 (backwards compatible with USB 1.x) cable and no FireWire cable or AC adapter]

For instance, a number of users have reported that although they are able to charge their iPod minis and synchronize music under normal circumstances over the USB 1.x port. However, when the iPod mini's battery is completely drained, it may take several minutes after connection to the USB 1.x port before the unit responds or provides any type of visual display.

In many of these cases, users assume their iPod minis are dead and initiate service calls to Apple.

If you are in this situation, try keeping your iPod mini connected to the USB 1.x port for several minutes or hours and check for eventual response.

Pausing during play We continue to cover an issue where the iPod mini pauses during play -- a problem that seems to be connected with the headphone jack.

MacFixIt reader Terry writes:

"I read with interest about your article on the Second Generation iPod mini pausing during play. My 2nd generation iPod mini also exhibits this trait. Twirling the stock iPod headphone plug does not cause the mini to "auto pause". However, when my Sony headphones are plugged to the mini, twirling the headphones plug causes it to "auto pause".

"This is indeed very frustrating and has implications for daily usage. This fault appears to be a software bug, and I hope Apple can resolve this problem quickly."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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