iPod pros - any way to easily fill a small iPod with random selections from iTunes library?

[olnacl]

I have an 8 GB Touch and a 85 GB iTunes library. Other than manually creating a playlist, is there any way to load random songs from the iTunes library up to the capacity of the Touch? My shuffle does this but quick forum and Google searches turned up nothing for the Touch. I did see an app for Windows that purports to do just that, (something Monkey) but no port for Mac.

[space-time]

make a smart playlist

[bik]

Create a smart playlist in iTunes.
Uncheck the box for "Matching".
Check off the box for Limit to: [xx GB] selected by [random].
Tell the iPod to sync that new smart playlist.

That would be totally random. You can also create multiple smaller smart playlists and use various matching criteria to give the playlist some direction without a lot of work. Like a playlist of songs with 5-star ratings that have not been played in the last month, or whatever.

[Kramerica]

That's what the AutoFill feature is for.

"Basically, once your iPod is connected, visit the Summary tab and make sure you're set up to "Manually manage music and videos." Once you've done that, use the triangle to reveal the contents of your iPod or iPhone, and click on Music, at which point you'll see the source selector, Autofill settings, and Autofill button at the bottom of the screen."

pasted from this:
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/0...models.ars

[olnacl]

Thanks to all! I saw autofill when I connected a shuffle, but didn't look hard enough for it with the Touch. I also like the idea of the smart playlist which will let me skip some genres that may not be applicable to the occasion.
Again, thanks!

[RAMd®d]

I use the Smart Playlist gambit.

For just the reason you mentioned-- using multiple Genre rules, I can taylor the semi-random filling of my 'Phone.

I have some permanent playlists and Smart Playlists for Random fill and specific "Must Have" categories (not genres). The latter I can update live by assigning stars to the music. Selecting one or more stars will put a song on one of five Smart Playlists.

[vision63]

From Ray Stevens' "The Streak" to Chuck Berry's "My Dingaling," to Rick Dee's "Disco Duck." Now "that's" variety.