Playing iPod Music WITHOUT Syncing

If you want to connect and use an iPod on more than one computer or with more than one library you need to change the update preference in the iPod Summary tab to "Manually manage music and videos" and click Apply. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode so the two can be different. You can directly access the content of the iPod and play it through iTunes and you can drag and drop whatever you want to the iPod from either library:
Using iPod with Multiple computers
Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
Syncing Music to iPod

Something else to be aware of when using an iPod in manual mode is that the "Do Not Disconnect" message will remain on the display until you physically eject the device: Safely Disconnect IPod

You didn't read the whole post or you missed the bit that says "you need to change the update preference in the iPod Summary tab to "Manually manage music and videos" and click Apply. The content of iTunes and the iPod are not syncronised in this mode .........You can directly access the content of the iPod and play it through iTunes". You need to set the iPod to manual as I've already described.

You can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7.3 or later installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys together. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes - Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

However once you are connected you still need to set it to manual to play the songs on it through iTunes on the computer.

Thanks Chris CA.

Will I run into compatibility issues doing this if my iPod is formatted in the mac format? Will Windows still be able to play from the mac-formatted iPod?

I'm sorry I can't test this myself because my iPod is broken and I'm debating getting a new iPod Touch, but I'd like to try to figure this out before buying one.

This Apple Support document, plus Chats I've had with representatives thru the Apple Store, seem to say that I will not be able to do what I'd like to do because using the iPod with both a Mac and a PC is incompatible:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1202

it says:
"Using an iPod formatted for Macintosh on a Windows computer is not supported. Using an iPod formatted for Windows on a Macintosh computer is not supported"

That bit of text wasn't in the link it was in the explanation but there you go, some people hate explanations and love links, you can't please them all. I'm glad that it all became clear to you. Take care.

In my case, I want to continue syncing with my mac at home, but when I'm at work I want to play the tunes on my iPod from the work PC. I have not found a way to do this without selecting the 'Manually Manage Music' option and thus destroying the sync with my home mac. Is there a way to play the songs without selecting 'Manually Manage Music'?

Is there a way to play the songs without selecting 'Manually Manage Music'?

No.

Sync it at home and then set it to *Manually manage music*.
Use it at work.
When you get home, uncheck *Manually manage music* and sync it.

Will Windows still be able to play from the mac-formatted iPod?

No.

You can Restore it in iTunes for Windows then sync it to the Mac and use it on both as Macs can read Windows formatted iPods just fine.