Using iTunes with Linux

Question

I've recently made the decision to upgrade my main computer OS from Windows XP SP3 to Linux Mint v.12 permanently.  I am enquiring here about the best option to maintain iTunes Store and Sync capability for my iPad and iPod classic.
I note that the ideal recommended solution is to use WINE, however I also note that the current rating for iTunes v. 10.6.1 support with Wine is less than ideal.
I'm really not phased about the ability to import and play music as there are many alternatives, but I do want to continue to use the iTunes Store and Sync my devices.
I have two questions:
1. Does the Apple community support the use or Wine / Virtualbox solutions to enable iTunes outside of Windows / OS X, or does Apple actively try to break the ability of such users to use iTunes in subsequent releases?
2. Out of the following options, what would be the best course of action for me to keep using iTunes:
- using WINE
- installing Windows XP in a Virtualbox
- installing Windows XP on a seperate partition, exclusively just to run iTunes
- resorting to my old iBook G4 every time I need to sync

Answer 1

Wow.  Full points for failing to answer either of my questions.
So your only advice is to search google.  try ialreadygoogledthat dot (on second thoughts don't try that)
</snarky>
I did a google search for iTunes support and the first hit was apple.com.  Fancy that!
So far I've tried installing XP twice to a bluescreen and confirmed the broken iTunes 10.6.1.7 interface in Wine.  Going to try a different install cd + driver set and virtualbox tomorrow.  Failing that I'll have to consider the non-itunes alternatives (libimobiledevice + rhythmbox) as there's no way I'm going to fork out for Windows 7 just for iTunes and there's no legitimate way for me to install OSX on this PC.  Really don't want to have to keep my old pc on standby every time i want to sync.  I hope there's a better solution on the way.