WOW! This is the project that I have been hoping would happen for a long time. I've been trying to find an alternative to iTunes because of the macintosh lock-in that they force you into. I mean, even Windwos Media Player allows you to sync to any USB device? Very lame on that Apple is doing everything they can to force you use only their products. I guess that's par for the course from a corporation.
Anyway, thanks much for the information on Songbird.
http://www.getsongbird.com/
I'm downloading and installing it right now on my mac.