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Digital Music Stores Reviewed
Kozz writes "If you've thought about trying the new Napster 2.0, or perhaps MusicMatch, or even WAL*MART music service, you really need to read this review at BBspot.com. Brian takes a break from his standard satire fare and writes a comprehensive review not only of the previously mentioned stores, but also of BuyMusic.com, eMusic, Apple iTunes, and RealOne Rhapsody. It breaks down the features of each service, the prices, restrictions, general pros and cons, and really gives you an idea of which one(s) you should try depending on your needs."
iTunes sucks ass unless you like the way Apple does things and have an iPod. That doesn't describe most people, like it or not. As much as you like it, there are that many more people who HATE the way they tend to do things. Ask around outside of your MUG to find out. :)
Apple locks you into one media player and one portable, without the hassle of burn/re-rip/re-compress/re-mangle. WMA, which only looks limiting to the political types, gives a range of players (on Windows) and a range of portable players from at least 4 vendors each. There were 20 or more portables as of a month ago or so.
If you like the way Apple does things, go for it, pick iTunes and lock yourself into the one true way to experience music. If you like a choice of either player or portable, or you don't like Apple's more structured, generally inflexible way of doing things, or you want to use the music (with minimal hassle) with a DVD player or CD MP3/WMA player, the choice is obvious.
If Apple released a plugin for WinAmp, WMP, and MMJB (maybe even XMMS!!!!), they might be a bit easier to deal with, and give the customer a little flexibility. I doubt they'll push their DRM-wrapped format for other portables, since that's the only way they make money, so you're clearly sort of limited there.