what i am using is Aniosoft iBackup,actually i am person to spread words after i got some cool stuff. So i highly recommend Aniosoft iBackup, It enables you to transfer iPod's music and other content to any storage device and iTunes as well. And both the backup in the storage device can be recovered and restored with no any change and no any risk.And the data in the iTunes is quite in accord with the iPod's data including its playlists,rating and etc.
With Aniosoft iBackup you can make a music transfer from your iPod to the iTunes in your laptop with this tool and also make a backup for the ipod's content somewhere in your laptop as well as backup file in case of the hard drive crash.
There is a note that needs your attention,you have to turn off the auto sync of the iTunes before you can make this transfer.