Reply to Quick question about Soundcard...

I am believeing of getting the Echo Audiofire 4. I am new to all this so hopefully someone can tell me how this would work. I would like to be able to have my ipod connected to the soundcard so that if the computer crashes, I can go right into playing from that. Is this possible with the Audiofire 4? Is it possible with another sound card under $400 or so if I can't do it with AF4?
Thanks so much
REg