[Declan]

This was bothering me too, since I came to Kenya where I have almost no access to wireless networks. But then, after some time without any apparent way to sync the Ipod, I tried to set up an Ad Hoc network (I think that's what it's called).
The trick is to go to your airport icon, and then choose Create New Network. Follow your nose, and you'll have the mac broadcasting its information. Then go to the Ipod or whatever it is and you'll find that it recognises this network, and will sync with it.
Maybe somebody clever can explain this thing better, but I can tell you that it works.
Of course, sync by USB would be nice, but I gather that Apple don't allow third parties to access that functionality.