Step-by-Step: Winamp Best Method for Syncing Music to a Blackberry (or other Mobile)

There are a number of ways to store music on your Blackberry or other mobile phone.  I have tried them all.  They range from dumping media directly onto the MicroSD card to using media sync software that comes with the device.  The best solution, however, is to use Winamp to sync (the free version).  It is easy to use and syncs quickly.  Adding and removing music is a breeze.

Frankly, when Winamp was recommended to me, I was reluctant to try it.  I used it many years ago as a media player and was unimpressed.  Now, it is Version 5.5 and I love it.  Not only is the best solution for syncing music but it also is a very configurable and powerful media player.

One of unique features of Winamp is that it stores a small XML file on your phone that the program reads when the phone is connected to the computer.  Using this XML file, Winamp can determine which songs on the computer are new, deleted or unchanged relative to the phone. Consequently, the sync works perfectly.

1.  Download Winamp Standard (9.8 mb) from http://www.winamp.com/player/.  Install it.

2.  Connect your Blackberry or phone to the computer with the data cable.

3.  Add the music from your computer to the Winamp library.  File -> “Add Media to Library…”  Add the directory that contains your music.  If you use iTunes or another program, check your Music directory in your personal folder.

4. Next go to Options -> Preferences -> Media Library -> Portables -> the name of your phone

5.  Check the options you want on the Sync, AutoFill, Transcoding and View tabs.  Next, clicked the Advanced tab.  See the picture above.  I had to modify the File Name Format and Playlist Directory for my device.  I use a directory named “Blackberry” and a subdirectory named “music.”  On other mobiles, the director may be merely “music” or something similar.  After you specify the directory, click “Save and Rescan.”  Close the Preferences window.

6.  Click the Media Library tab in the main media browser window.  Under “Portables,” your device should be  listed.   Select it.

7.  Click “Sync” at the bottom of the screen and you initiate the process.  Next to the word “Portables” (see image above), you will see the percentage completed.

8.  To re-Sync after you added or deleted music on your computer, simply connect your phone, load Winamp, select your device and click “Sync.”

If you previously used iTunes as your player, you might want to keep it around simply for burning discs, should the need arise.  Alternative, buy the Pro version of Winamp ($19.95) to burn at up to 48x speed.  The free version, Winamp Standard, has a burn limit of 2x speed.

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