Free: iMate media manager for iDevices
Normally $59, this multifunction Windows program can rip DVDs, copy media from your iDevice to your PC, create ringtones, and more. The only cost: a Facebook "like."
Wondershare's new iMate is a multipurpose Windows utility for iPhone, iPod, and iPad owners. With it you can rip DVDs, convert videos, copy music and photos from your iDevice to your PC, create ringtones, and more.
It normally costs $59, but from now until April 2, you can get Wondershare iMate absolutely free. It's the full, unrestricted version of the program. The only catch: you don't get updates or tech support.
iMate sports an attractive, easy-to-navigate interface, with oversize buttons directing you to each of its four main areas: Music & Videos, Photos, Books, and Ringtones. If you need help figuring out how to proceed within those areas, Wondershare offers a thorough user guide.
The DVD ripper and video converter alone are probably worth the download for most users. I used the former to rip some episodes from my "Simpsons Season 9" discs, and it worked easily and flawlessly (if a little slowly).
As for the rest of the features, not everyone will find them useful, but it's nice to have the option of, say, backing up and managing your photos and video recordings.
To get iMate, follow this link, then click the blue Download button. Next, click the red Get Keycode button, which will take you to Wondershare's Facebook page. Click the "Like" button, enter your name and e-mail address, then click Get Keycode on that page. My confirmation e-mail (containing the necessary registration code) arrived in a matter of seconds.
Not a Facebook user? No problem, just skip the deal. I'm sure I'll get an earful from a few folks who think this is evil somehow, but I think it's hard to argue when you're getting something valuable for free.