Ipod music via laptop speakers

[Clippy]

Does anyone know if it is possible to connect my ipod to my laptop and then hear my music via the laptops in-built speakers.

I'm fairly sure it isn't possible as the laptop obviously has an in-built sound card but thought I'd ask in case someone knew of another way.

i.e. Is there a custom cable I can purchase?

[chubba]

Has your laptop got a line in? Can't you just headphone out of the iPod to the line in (or the mic in) of the laptop soundcard with a standard 3.5m double ended cable?

[Clippy]

Has your laptop got a line in? Can't you just headphone out of the iPod to the line in (or the mic in) of the laptop soundcard with a standard 3.5m double ended cable?

That's what I thought, but when I tried no joy - it was the mic in socket I tried.

[kirk]

That should work, but you need some software to "activate" the line in; something like Cool Edit Pro should do it..............

[chubba]

Or in the sound card set up in control panel isn't there something to test the mic? This activates the hardware. Otherwise Cool Edit Pro is a wicked suggestion!

[Clippy]

Thanks for the tips fellas.

I checked the mic properties via control panel and couldn't really see anything in there to 'activate' it - but it was late last night so will check again tonight.

Thanks for the tip re: Cool Edit Pro - quick searchy shows it is now called Adobe Audition (http://tinyurl.com/mopd).

Was hoping could get away with not having to spend any/little money to get this working.

Any sugestions for alternative (free) s/w - needs to be Vista Ready!

[timh]

Why not just plug the ipod in via USB and use software to play music off it's drive? A software DAC would probably be better than the ipod's one anyway!

[DS23]

[QUOTE=Clippy]Does anyone know if it is possible to connect my ipod to my laptop and then hear my music via the laptops in-built speakers.QUOTE]

It is possible. Plug in iPod which activates iTunes, select the music folder of your iPod device and play....

[Clippy]

Apologies, should have clarified - iTunes is not installed on my laptop (it's on my desktop PC at home).

Would rather not install it on the laptop.

[timh]

Try yamipod or similar.
(I use anapod explorer, but that's not free.)