@Kaiser-Machead's Cookie-Powered LEGO Machine: I still buy CD's because I like having my digital copies in lossless format. I guess I just can't justify paying for music that is lower quality and DRM protected.

TOWken

If Apple can get more labels to offer DRM-free, or hopefully get all of them, I'd pretty much buy iTunes tracks exclusively. I like Amazon, but their store design has much to be desired.

Kaiser-Machead's Cookie-Powered LEGO Machine

I think the crap economy will make most give in and stop trying to create their own internet distribution methods and finally recognize these "new players" that dominate the space.

If only the writers strike had only waited a couple of years. It seemed kind of dumb to me that they had still got shut out of internet sales, since it was still deemed "promotional". I guess the big players weren't going to admit that a computer company had something that has worked for years.

Anyway, if this is true, great. DRM is useless. No DRM, high quality audio, cheap price, and an ultra-fast download just might prevent some people from torrenting. Sony doing this is a big step in the right direction.

NNTPgrip

Just a picky point...Apple does not and never has sold MP3s. They sell AACs, or you could call them MP4s.

josejuan05

@justrick: That's been my experience lately - unless you're "upgrading" previously purchased tracks. Then there's a 30 cent surcharge to download the DRM-free version.

BeowulfRex

Sony and Apple... working together? I don't know Ill believe it when I see it.

Cole.Mitguard

Aren't the DRM-free tracks now the same price as regular tracks?

justrick

I have never bought music with DRM, and I never will.

I would be willing to pay a little more for DRM free music, but only if I have no other cheaper options.

timak

@TOWken: I can't justify buying CD's when there is only one or two songs that are worth listening to on it.

tande04

DRM blows, these companies who use DRM should go out of business, noone should ever buy anything from them.

VideoVampire

@TOWken: I still by CDs too. Are we a rare and dying breed?

Rabid Penguin

@TOWken: I only really buy DRM-free tracks, so I don't worry about the protection, but for the most part, a PMP is not going to display reference-grade quality anyway. Problem I have with CD's is pretty much the same as tande's. Unless I know I love all or most of the songs, a disc is not the favorable option, since I'd then be paying way more per song (that I like), instead of the .99 each.

Kaiser-Machead's Cookie-Powered LEGO Machine

I buy everything on iTunes now. I even only buy DVD's that come with the iTunes digital copy!

NIN10DO_FANBOI

It's a shame it took desperation for a major label (other than EMI, who's roster is less than desirable) to finally offer DRM-free tracks on iTunes. Get with the program already.

mjmahon

@Rabid Penguin: I am one of us, too.

CDs don't get lost when my hard drive crashes..

ideaman2020

I suspect the REAL reason that Sony has an interest in DRM free music now, is so that the music will play on Sony branded MP3 players. Right now, music from Sony's record label purchased through iTunes will only play on Apple iPod.

They're going to need to get all the other record labels on board though to put a dent in Apple's domination of this market.

robo

Sony making a solid move in response to customer demands, good deal.

But we all know Giz will never give Sony an ounce of praise. And why hasn't somebody mentioned the lack of games for the PS3 yet?

Lets be honest, we only mention this rumor because of the positive effect on Itunes. Go Itunes, Sony you still suck. /end sarc

cyberlink7474

@BeowulfRex: They were originally $1.29 when EMI brought he 256Kbps DRM-free AAC tracks to iTunes, but that was dropped to $0.99 shortly after the Big Four used Amazon to start their 256Kbps DRM-free MP3 tracks service in an atempt to thwart Apple's iTunes Store control over music.

Since that doesn't seem to be doing nothing more than selling more iDevices-where Apple makes it's money-and making digital downloads more viable, I'm assuming this move by Sony is true. I assume that the other two will do the same within 6 months of Sony coming aboard.

Leonard Nimrod

@Rabid Penguin: From my experience, I would have to say that we definitely are a dying breed. I also end up buying CD's because I am a bit OCD about having the complete album, not every song might be great, but there are always ones that end up surprising you that you might not have heard otherwise.

TOWken

Here is my guess:

Apple will announce at Macworld that all of it's music is now DRM-free at Macworld AND that the songs are going to stay at only 99-cents.

In a dream world...

millardfan

@millardfan: walmart has then at 94 cents and they are drm free.

In the real world

Monkiee

Fellas Fellas..

Why not shop at mp3.walmart.com for all your mp3 downloading needs, they are completely DRM free.

And they have excellent customer service from what I'm told.

Monkiee

@Monkiee: I buy from them most of my mp3 songs altough not too much variety to choose from. I use a mix of Walmart and Amazon MP3`s stores. Also the top 30 songs on Walmart are .74 cents. And the best of all: they are DRM Free ! Now if iTunes go ALL DRM I absolutely go for it. But thats not happening any time soon...

Mannyatic

@TOWken: Agree with tande04, not worth buying a whole cd just for a couple of songs. If your'e afraid your HD will crash, just back them up(cd or any other method). NOW THAT WAS EASY ! Amazon store is great, but not really pretty and intituive. I buy also from Walmart which is better on estethic point of view altough not the variety of amazon store.

Mannyatic

@tande04:

Try having better taste in music...

b3m87