Is it possible to separate my itunes library on local HD and External HD?

This is my scenario.....
i download alot of apps and also some short video clips that are in mp4 format. i "use" them almost everyday. My music files are on an external hard drive. I seldom sync music.
I just got a new MBP and currently my apps are in my local hard drive. i am not syncing music yet so my iphone have no music files yet.
I would like to better manage my itunes library to improve my sync experience. I am hoping to get the following scenario. Can you guys tell me if its possible and how to set it up correctly?
a). i want to sync my apps and videos with my iphone and mbp without plugging the external drive while still retaining the songs that are currently in my iphone.
b). if i want to sync music thats the time i plug my external drive, my apps and videos should still be in my laptop hd, and music just stays in external hd.

I don't know if the new iTunes lets you be that specific as regards to type of media, but you can certainly have your library and media on an external drive. You also can have specific files located wherever you wish if you decide to not let iTunes organize your media for you (can be set in preferences). Let us know what generally interests you and we can provide specifics.

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