Playlists on Gigabeat F40. Trying to figure it out.

[cpnfantstk]

I have really had a  hard time trying to create a playlist ( and save)  with my F40 GIGABEAT. I have read the manual and read other posts but seems like I just don't get it.  I basically want to pick a song or two from different albums and create a saved list. I tried inserting a song then  another. I can't seem to locate it by VIEW CURRENT PLAYLIST or SAVED. Please help me with this. I am really frustrated. Just some short simple steps to get me on my way. Thanks to anyone.

[Didgeridoohan]

A quick look in the manual tells me that to get to the context menu on a Gigabeat F, you press and hold SELECT. Then you just choose PLAYLIST, and voila!

[cpnfantstk]

I have no problems going to the context menu and inserting, The problem I have is viewing, naming the playlist and saving it. In regards to naming it with the virtual keyboard and "accepting it' (the manual states this), what do I press to accept the name?  

I go to FILES go to an album then song, Long Select, (playlist context Menu) then insert. What now?

Pardon for all the questions in one post. Just trying to make it work.

[Nate!]

As is stated in the manual, to save text for a Gigabeat, you just press the A button.  The A button:

Exits the virtual keyboard and saves any changes

To view the current playlist just go back into the context menu, choose Playlist, and select View Current Playlist.

To view a playlist that you've previously saved, you can do a couple of things.  Since you're familiar with the context menu, go into it, choose Playlist catalog, select view catalog, then long select on a playlist, choose playlist, and select view.  Of course it's easier to just go to the menu and choose playlist catalog and do the rest of the steps.

[cpnfantstk]

When I try to save the playllist, I get      dynamic/.m3u8. How do I name my  playlist? Would it be like ABC.m3u8 for example?

[cpnfantstk]

How to save please? I go to the virtual keyboard and get the above^^^ extension. How exactly do I name it so I can view it later? Thanks.

[Didgeridoohan]

Have you even tried looking in the manual? It very clearly answers every question you have asked in this topic!

[cpnfantstk]

As I stated above, I read the manual. If every answer is to a question is " Did you read the manual?" then thats not being helpful at all. I am trying to figure out what I have missed in not making my playlists saved and viewable and  not in wasting anyone's time.  If anyone can clear things up for me then its much appreciated.

[Didgeridoohan]

It clearly states in the ROCKBOX FORUM GUIDELINES that you should read the manual before asking questions in the forums. Ok... You write in your first post that you have looked in the manual, but the questions you ask are very fundamental, and gives the impression that you in fact haven't read the manual (maybe just skimmed it, and decided that it was to much hassle). Or maybe you haven't looked at the section talking about the Virtual Keyboard?

Go to section 4.1.3 of the manual. There you find all the information about what keys to use when entering text with the virtual keyboard.

To rename the dynamic.m3u8 playlist you get when you try to save your playlist, move the cursor to the left of ".m3u8" (look in section 4.1.3) Delete "dynamic" and then enter the name you want for your playlist. Voila!

A tip is to save your playlist in the playlist folder on your player (type in /playlists/ABC.m3u8). If you have it there, you can use the playlist catalog (mentioned by Nate in a previous post) to manage it in the future.

[Nate!]

cpnfantstk: don't get upset with the answers you are getting.  Have you noticed that this thread has been read over 180 times and only two poeple have posted an answer?  It's because your questions are simple enough and have been answered already.  The answer is, the manual has a simple explanation of what to do.  

If you don't understand the manual, then we bring up another topic discussed to death.  You the tester should suggest changes to the manual in the proper manner.  (Even I am guilty of not doing this, but I do update the Gigabeat Port Page wiki.)

If the manual is hard to read/understand on a specific topic, then please read the wiki about the manual and get the wording changed.  That way someone else after you doesn't have the same issues.  

Bottom line:  With this community, you have to read to answer most of your questions.  If you don't understand what you are reading, then make changes to what you are reading.

[cpnfantstk]

Thanks for the help in how to name and save the playlist. I respect both your opinions. I am new to this community and commend the effort put forth in making the gigabeat a wonderful player. I will do my part in trying to help those with questions when I become a little more knowledgeable myself.

[cpnfantstk]

I must have  had  a corrupt install or something (Apr 26 build) because with the May 11th build , I am able to do everything I want with playlists with no issues. Now I feel better.

[Didgeridoohan]

Ah... There is another thing that a lot of people never think about. If you are having troubles, try another (older or newer) build.