Today Apple released a maintenance update to iTunes. Version 9.0.3 addresses a variety of bugs including several problems relating to syncing Smart Playlists and Podcasts with iPods. The update is claimed to properly follow the setting for remembering a password for purchases.
Overall stability and performance have been improved, while an issue involving iPod recognition has also been addressed.
iTunes 9.0.3 is now available as a download for systems running Mac OS X, Windows XP SP or higher, Vista (32 and 64 bit) and Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit). It also available via Apple Update.