Apple iPod

I was trying to Upload movies to my relative's Apple Ipod. I found that it has to be converted to MP4 format first. There is no software provided by Apple regarding this. I tried couple of tools, one from Jodix, but it was not working at all and it simply close the application when I start the conversion process. I tried Ulead videostuido9.0 it looks i have first convert to mp2 and again convert to mp4 again. I converted some of the movies to MP4.
The problem with Apple Ipod is everything has to be uploaded through itunes software. I personaly feel the nano Ipod navigation panel is not that great.
I will continue to write more on this.