music downloads

[lilbandit]

I just read about the 'upgrade' to Toast that means you are restricted from burning DRM ACC files that you bought from Apple. This has got me thinking about the future of online music, what's the point in buying it if you are constantly restricted in it's use? You can still burn from itunes but the consumer is losing a choice. I just feel that my initial foray into legal downloads will not continue. In the past I have downloaded illegal tracks. Never in any great quantity, usually the odd single that I heard on the radio but I jumped at the chance to legally download music when itunes opened for business in Ireland. Right now I'm not so sure, at least a cd is yours, there is no authorisation required and you have something in your hand to show for what your money. I'm not interested in piracy, if I did Limewire a song these days it's because I can't get it from itunes!! Sites such as play.com and cdwow.com offer great deals on cds, far cheaper than the high street and delivered to your door quickly. I suppose I am feeling a little pinned down by Apple. At some point I might like a different music player than ipod, but I suppose I'm concerned that the money spent on downloading has not bought me anything concrete. How does everyone else feel about cd vs downloads?

[caiaphas]

have you ever thought about mp3search.ru? you can get a lot of the same songs you get at iTunes, but for .10 each.

Bill

[Viro]

Yes, but mp3search.ru is of dubious legality since it makes use of some loophole in Russian copyright law.