Multiple iTunes libraries

[Pandamonium]

So I've done some cursory googling and know about the shift+launch to create a second library. But I'm wondering if there's an easier way to do what I'm trying to do.... (or if there are any problems before I start a massive re-ripping project)

My laptop is now my primary computer, and I could only afford an 80 GB SSD for it. The problem is that I want lossless audio when I'm "docked" at home. When I am "docked" at home, I'll be connected to an external HDD off my router. For iPod or "laptop on the road" use, >192kbit lossy is okay. So I guess the storage model I'm shooting for is this:

1) ALAC on external HDD
2) Lossy on laptop SSD, syncing to iPod
3) Toggle between ALAC and Lossy via shift+launch
4) Sync metadata/album art/ratings between Lossy and lossless when available

1-3 I think I should be able to do without a problem. #4 is what gets me though. Surely another ATer has run into this?

 

[mugs]

I'm not sure if there is a product that will do it, but you could probably write some AppleScript that'd do it.

 

[accguy9009]

Are you willing to consider something other than iTunes to accomplish your objective?

 

[Pandamonium]

I think an iTunes substitute would be okay, but I would want it to auto sync with my iPod. Plus I've got about half of my albums ripped in ALAC already. What did you have in mind?