I use Sharepod also, but I find that it's too inconvenient because you can't change the song info on the ipod, unless I'm missing something...
The other program I'm beginning to use more is Yamipod, which I find is a lot easier to use. If I want to download some music from somewhere else, Sharepod's the way to go.
I can't use Itunes because I'm running Windows ME (which is old as heck) I need a new computer...
Both programs can extract music from the iPod.