All the programs I use on my Mac these days are either in a Linux VM (in Virtualbox), or open-source apps which are also available on Linux. With one exception: iTunes, which I only use to feed my iPod Touch (4gen).
I'm tempted to switch over to Linux entirely, but I don't want to completely lose the ability to update/backup my iPod, and I don't want to deal with the hassle of dual-booting. (I can buy apps on my iPod itself, but apparently I can't download MP3s or subscribe to podcasts without using iTunes on a computer.)
I've heard that you can't run (non-server) Mac OS X in a virtual machine, even on Apple hardware. I do, however, have an old Windows XP license.
Is it possible to run iTunes 10, including iPod Touch (4gen) syncing, in a virtualized Windows XP on a Linux host? I've the most experience with Virtualbox (at work and home), but I'd be willing to entertain the possibility of switching to another VM.
I found this article that says it's possible, but is rather old: it only speaks of the iPod Touch 1gen. This other article has no date but mentions iTunes 8 (which Wikipedia says was shipped with the iPod Touch 2gen).
It doesn't need to be terribly convenient. If CD ripping doesn't work, for example, I'm happy to rip elsewhere and copy the files to Windows for iTunes. I really just want the ability to copy data onto my iPod, including iOS updates, and do backups.
Has anyone tried this more recently? Is it still possible with iTunes 10 / iPod Touch 4gen?