The media has been all over the music piracy problem recently after the release of iTunes now allowing the purchase of singles at $.99 US and then another attempt to discourage P2P file swapping but giving instant message warnings to Grokster and Kazaa users. I briefly posted about computer theft in the past because I strongly believe that many of these file swappers wouldn't even consider stealing a CD from the local music store. Computers make it so easy to get things you want at the click of a mouse, it's easy to over-look right from wrong.
"In the Mac-only version of iTunes Music Store, Apple offers more than 200,000 tracks, with most songs selling for 99 cents apiece and many albums available for $9.99. Those who buy music can use it on up to three computers and download it to an iPod. Songs can also be burned to any number of CDs, though only 10 copies of any one mix of tracks may be made."
Apple Computer is developing a version of its jukebox software for Microsoft Windows-based PCs. According to a job posting on the company's Web site, it is looking for someone to design and build "Apple's newest Consumer Application, iTunes for Windows."
I don't own a Mac and have never tried iTunes but if a release comes out for the PC, I'd certainly support and start using it knowing that I can purchase singles without going to the local store and buying the entire album.
At $1 US (approx $1.40 CAN) per song, it seems a bit much when the entire album is $9.99 US ($15 CAN / $18 CAN at a local store). The only thing that makes the prices seem reasonable is the fact that many promotions are based on the more you buy the cheaper things get. Chances are I would never buy the full album at that price when I can buy the entire CD with the jewel case and booklet for a few dollars more. Some would argue this but the extra price is worth the booklets most of the time.
Over all, the concept of iTunes seems to have a bright future as the software grows but for now it still has much to improve on.