Why i(not)Tunes
April 3rd, 2006[ Geek ]
I own a 1/2 GB Ipod shuffle that gets a decent amount of use. The iTunes software and it’s slick integration with the device impressed me from the start. As well, iTunes made the process of ripping and cataloguing my cd’s dirt simple.
What I have not done, and have no intention of doing, is spend one cent at the iTunes store on digital albums, even at the low cost of $9.99. What’s my reasoning?
- I still listen to cd’s on my stereo often and I can hear the difference between an iTunes downloaded tune and a cd. Try it, turn your stereo up and play the same tune on both formats one after the other.
- The resulting album is restricted. I can only play it on five authorized computers simultaneously. I’m not sure what that really means but it sounds like a hassle.
- I can’t translate into other formats. So when the mp999 format comes out next week and I want to listen to this album on it I’m out of luck. I could, of course, convert my iTunes album to an audio cd and then rip it back into the mp999 format, however, that will result in more quality degradation.
- “An intentional limitation of Fairplay is that it prevents iTunes customers from using the purchased music on any portable digital music player other than the Apple iPod”, yike. Link.
So I can pay $9.99 for an ‘album’ that locks me into Apple products OR I can continue to buy used albums for about the same price and play them wherever I choose, including my iPod.
For the time being I’ll continue to buy my albums used from a locally owned chain called the Beat Goes On. They have wish list functionality that allows me to maintain a list of cd’s I’d like to buy. I receive email notification when a cd I’m after comes into stock in any of their stores. I can then have them ship it to my local shop for me to pick up or have it delivered to my house.
As for iTunes, open up or shrivel into non-existence…..