Managing an iPod from Windows and Mac without iTunes (and free!)

This has little to do with the outdoors. 

A friend asked for advice on Facebook about using free software to manage an iPod that works on both Windows and Mac that is NOT iTunes.  This has come up repeatedly over the years, even though I didn't have much specific relevant information, I'd searched for it before.  And I was curious myself. 

Between web searches, and a list of software that he was recommended, I came up with a list.  From that list, a clear first choice emerged.

I'm recommending that he try Songbird.


Amarok - Linux and Windows only, no Mac
Banshee - Linux only, experimental support for Windows and Mac
Sharepod - Windows, no Mac
ephPod - makes CopyTrans, you're familiar with that one.
floola - Mac, Windows, reads like what he wants.  I installed it in Windows 7 and it discovered my music in seconds.
froddle pod - supports iPod Classic 6G, not iPod Nano 6G http://www.froddle.com/features.htm
gtkpod - Linux only
yamipod - a different twist on this category.  The software installs on your iPod and you execute it from there when it is plugged into your computer.  Says it works with Windows, Mac and Linux
RhythmBox - Linux Only
Songbird - Windows and Mac, very mature product.  I had to dig, but this page states they support his iPod SongBird Device Support