Put MP3s on an Ipod Nano (3rd-gen) without iTunes

Try this thread, it's the first one I've found that's seems to be on to something:

Essentially, iPod likes it's Audioboos in one large file. This means you'll need to merge your multi-file Audiobook into one large file and convert it into the .m4b format. Ipod will then keep track of your position in the file, but if you want chapters you'll need to set those too.

Luckily we're not the only ones facing this problem and tools exist for performing both operations.

There's a Freeware tool called: Chapter and Verse that can be found on lodensoftware.com

If you're willing to pay for the privilege, there is a shareware application called: Chapter Master that will place chapters in the kind of one long file Audiobooks iPod likes.

Mind you, you'll first need to convert your MP3s to M4A or M4B. This can be done through iTunes, as well as through a freeware application called: MP3 to iPod Audio Book Converter.

You'll have to Google these programs, the system won't let me post more than one link.

I hope this helps,

I've been searching for you and here is what I've found:

iPod firmware 1.1.3

A little forum talk about "how to downgrade" here

And a comment from a user:

You should be able to restore back to the 1.0 firmware using the ipod updater, when you run it just use the option to RESTORE IPOD to factory settings. It will format your nano so you will lose all the music on there

The only thing I don't know is if the latest 2nd Generation Nanos will run the earlier 1G firmwares?

If you nano defiinately only has the 1.1 firmware on it (1.2 if the latest) do not use itunes to update as I don't think you will be able to rollback.

I'm not a nano expert but I would recommend you have a good read of ipodwizard.net as the forum there is where you will find all the answers you need.

Messing with your firmware could easily result in a dead ipod !!

Hope this will help you!