Online Music: Turn on & Tune In
Evaluating the Music Services
Software
While there are many more music services available, the ones listed below are the biggest by far. Pricing is current as of this writing, but may change, so check the site for the most recent information.
Service |
Format |
Cost |
Downloads |
The Fine Print |
| eMusic | MP3 | Basic subscription: $11.99/month | 30 songs/month | Few restrictions: you own the songs; primarily independent and non-mainstream artists |
| iTunes | AAC | No subscription required Downloads: $.99/song |
Unlimited | Songs can be copied to 5 computers only; unique playlist can be burned only 7 times; will play on Apple devices only; cannot edit or sample songs; cannot convert files to other formats |
| MSN Music | WMA | No subscription required Downloads: $.99/song |
Unlimited | Not iPod-compatible; songs can be copied to 5 computers only; unique playlist can be burned 7 times only; cannot edit or sample songs |
| Napster | WMA | Basic subscription: $12.95/month Downloads: $.99/song |
Unlimited streaming audio | Not iPod-compatible |
| Rhapsody | WMA | Basic subscription: $9.99/month; $14.99 for mobile service Downloads: $.79/song |
Unlimited streaming audio | iPod-compatible; songs can be copied to 5 computers only; unique playlist can be burned 7 times only; cannot edit or sample songs |
| Walmart | WMA | No subscription required Downloads: $.94/song |
Unlimited | Not iPod-compatible; songs can be burned to CD only 10 times |
| Yahoo! Music | WMA | Basic subscription: $6.99/month or
$59.88/year Downloads:$.79/song |
Unlimited streaming audio | Additional cost to transfer files to a portable device; not iPod-compatible; can only share songs with other subscribers; songs can be burned to CD 7 times only |
Software
Some services require special software for downloading digital music files, but when you sign up for service, the software is automatically installed on your computer.
You may already have the software you need to play digital music: Windows Media Player or iTunes. If you don't, you can download them for free--either from Microsoft or Apple.
Now tune in and start listening.
Last update: Jan 7, 2010
