you can use an ipod,but once you back up your windows data to it,it then becomes a windows ipod and can no longer be used for itunes.hence the reason why you need to restore it after you sync/run on a mac and then go to a pc or vice-versa.only backing up your data from a mac to an ipod will work and keep it an ipod so to speak,but then again,apple offers off-site remote backups for mac.your best bet is to use something like acronis true image and an extrernal HD.wish there was another way,but there unfortunately is not.hope this helped you man.