Debunking myths about MP3s, iTunes, and iPods
A DeGeeked reader recently asked: "Both of my daughters are getting MP3 players for Christmas, only one of them is an iPod. What is the best website to use for downloading music? Should I get them a subscription, etc?" These are great questions, and ones we hear alot.
There are a number of misconceptions about MP3s, iTunes and iPods in general. Often, the questions we hear hint at common myths. We're here to debunk some of these to set the record straight once and for all.
- Myth: iTunes is the best/only place to download your music online.
- iTunes has a number of great features, but its not the only game in town. Any MP3 can be played on any MP3 player (iPod=MP3 player), in just the same way that any CD can be played in any CD player. We strongly recommend purchasing your music from Amazon MP3. It's usually cheaper and can easily sync directly into your iTunes library. Most importantly, all MP3s purchased on Amazon are DRM-free, which is tech-speak that means that the files you buy don't have restrictions on them that limit things like how many times you can burn them to a CD or move them to a new computer. Check out Amazon's MP3 deals for some great albums for $5 or less. And as always, you can grab a Amazon.com Gift Card to go with whatever MP3 player you give this year.
- iTunes has a number of great features, but its not the only game in town. Any MP3 can be played on any MP3 player (iPod=MP3 player), in just the same way that any CD can be played in any CD player. We strongly recommend purchasing your music from Amazon MP3. It's usually cheaper and can easily sync directly into your iTunes library. Most importantly, all MP3s purchased on Amazon are DRM-free, which is tech-speak that means that the files you buy don't have restrictions on them that limit things like how many times you can burn them to a CD or move them to a new computer. Check out Amazon's MP3 deals for some great albums for $5 or less. And as always, you can grab a Amazon.com Gift Card to go with whatever MP3 player you give this year.
- Myth: iPods are the only choice for MP3 player.
- Don't get us wrong, iPods are popular for a reason. Put simply, they are the best choice on the market. That said, there are a number of great crazy-cheap alternatives that will allow you to enjoy your music just the same. A few quick DeGeeked picks:
- The San Disk Sansa e260 4GB - A steal at $62, plus it has an expandable SD memory slot.
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SanDisk Sansa View 16 GB Video- A great alternative to the ipod nano, and 30-40 bucks cheaper.
- Don't get us wrong, iPods are popular for a reason. Put simply, they are the best choice on the market. That said, there are a number of great crazy-cheap alternatives that will allow you to enjoy your music just the same. A few quick DeGeeked picks:
- Myth: Microsoft's Zune can't compete.
- While it stings a bit to admit, Microsoft is making progress. For many folks the iPod will always be the best choice, but for some the Zune presents a worthy alternative. Microsoft takes a different spin, focused on sharing your music with friends and family. Instead of buying songs, with the Zune you can purchase access to thousands of songs on a subscription basis. If you're a bit wishy-washy about your musical tastes, this presents a great way to explore new music without purchasing individual songs or album. And as cool as the iPod is, the Zune doesn't look half bad either.
- While it stings a bit to admit, Microsoft is making progress. For many folks the iPod will always be the best choice, but for some the Zune presents a worthy alternative. Microsoft takes a different spin, focused on sharing your music with friends and family. Instead of buying songs, with the Zune you can purchase access to thousands of songs on a subscription basis. If you're a bit wishy-washy about your musical tastes, this presents a great way to explore new music without purchasing individual songs or album. And as cool as the iPod is, the Zune doesn't look half bad either.
Comments
Mark Leffler
December 24 2008 - 12:28 AM
I think you may have convinced me to switch to Amazon. I replaced my computer earlier this year. A couple of weeks ago, I got some nasty viruses, requiring my computer to be wiped and put back together again. As a result, the songs & albums I’ve purchased from iTunes are now on their 3rd computer in less than a year. This doesn’t seem right. Thanks for the great info.
Nicholas | DeGeeked Editor
December 26 2008 - 05:31 AM
@Mark - Your situation is not that uncommon. Especially among PC owners.
Seriously, though, Amazon is a great alternative. Even if it held no other advantages, the fact that it’s cheaper shoud sway most people.
That said, the key to iTunes and switching computers is to choose “Deauthorize Computer...” in the “Store” menu in iTunes before the old computer gets wiped. This way, you take the old computer off the approved list for all your songs and so the new computer will just increment the number back to what it was before.
If you ever reach the limit on how many computers can play your iTunes tracks, you can go into your iTunes Store account settings and Deauthorize all computers - meaning you’ll have to enter in your iTunes account information the next time you play a song purchased at the iTunes Store on any computer.