Solution for IOS 5 Download Problems - Error -3200, -3259, -3002

As Apple servers are overwhelmed right now by users trying to download IOS 5, many users are reporting "Error -3200" or "Error -3259" for iPads.  The error is just an indication that your download is timing out because of all of the demand.  If you want to bypass this problem and get IOS 5 as soon as possible, here's what to do:

MAKE SURE TO BACKUP YOUR DEVICE BEFORE UPGRADING.

1.  Download the IOS 5 Firmware directly from Apple by clicking on the links below, save the file to your desktop:

iOS 5 IPSW Firmware Update Files

• iPhone 3GS - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-8356.20111012.SQRDT...
• iPhone 4 GSM - (AT&T)- appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-8358.20111012.FFc34...
• iPhone 4 CDMA - (Verizon) - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-9743.20111012.vjhfp...
• iPhone 4,1 (4S?) - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-1317.20111012.UVTgr...
• iPad - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-8357.20111012.DTOrM...
• iPad 2 WiFi - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-9618.20111012.Zxb22...
• iPad 2,2 – GSM (AT&T) - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-9619.20111012.y34Nx...
• iPad 2,3 – CDMA (Verizon) - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/041­-9620.20111012.pnB4r...
• iPod touch 3G - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/061­-8360.20111012.New3w...
• iPod touch 4G - appldnld.apple.com­/iPhone4­/061­-9622.20111012.Evry3...
• Apple TV2 - appldnld.apple.com­/AppleTV­/061­-9621.20111012.Vgijx...

2.  After downloading the desired firmware, you can shift-click (PC) or option-click (Mac) the "Update" button in iTunes. A file dialog will open and let you choose the downloaded ipsw-file from your desktop.

3. Proceed with the upgrade as usual.

4. If you get Error -3002 at this point, try to do a Restore, rather than an Upgrade - remember to shift-click (or option-click on a Mac).

Please let me know if you have any issues with this procedure in the comments section below.

UPDATE - Similar solutions for iOS 5.1: http://obscureport.blogspot.com/2012/03/solution-to-ios-51-download-problems.html

Podcasts 101 - How to Subcribe and Listen to Podcasts in iTunes

I listen to podcasts on a daily basis and they have pretty much replaced talk radio for me. The ability to listen to shows on specific topics that you are interested in is amazing.  There are podcasts on finance, technology, sports teams, TV shows, movies, sciences, humor - just about anything you can think of. Most of them are free, as well!

I find that when I mention in conversation that I heard something on a podcast, I get a blank stare most of the time.  Simply put, podcasts are audio and in some cases video shows which are posted with an RSS subcription feed, so that you automatically get the new episodes as they become available.

Podcasts have yet to completely hit the mainstream, even though programs such as iTunes make it easy to find, subscribe to and listen to them.  There are audio-only podcasts, as well as video podcasts.  I prefer audio for use in the car, where its probably better not to have the distraction of video.  Here's a quick guide to get started:

1. Open iTunes and click on "iTunes Store" in the left navigation panel: