Best 99 cent download service?

[Korgoth]

Hey guys, I want some new tracks so I figured you guys could help me out here. Which download service out of this list would you prefer?

itunes
musicmatch
rhapsody
napster
walmart
real

Also what kind of file format do I get when I use one of these sites? Is it typically a regular mp3 that i can play on any media player and burn to disc if I wish?

 

[Varsity]

Rhapsody = real. And much as I hate to say it, they are the best bet atm.

And as for Walmart...

 

[Matthias]

I can't comment on any of those services as I've never used them, in fact the music downloading servies I use are considerably cheaper that 99c ;-)

 

[Korgoth]

so go rhapsody eh?
doh! I can't use rhapsody, I'm on dial up... Its streaming broadband only plus i'd rather not pay a monthly subscription,.

 

[moppe]

I say iTunes, because they have the biggest selection and best functions.

 

[Korgoth]

would itunes be 56k friendly? ( i'm not affraid of the download times so much) meaning can I pause and resume downloads and not lose anything etc.? Also what file format is itunes? And is it unlimited use?

 

[blahblahblah]

I use iTunes. I like it a lot.

I read an article in the New York Times yesterday that all of these major online music providers will start offering music subscriptions soon. Basically for $8 USD a month, you can download and listen to an unlimited number of songs you want. Apparently, there will be an option (additional money of course) that will allow you to take your subscription music to a portable music player.

So far, only Virgin music and AOL have done this. I'll be damned if I'm going to use an AOL service and I can't find this service offered by Virgin music on the internet. I think I'm going to wait for iTunes to come out with their own version.

Of course, the downside is the RIAA. Music retailers are talking about eventually getting the monthly subscription price down to $5 a month if it gets popular enough. The RIAA on the other hand, wants the subscription price to be $20 a month. Hopefully the stores will win on the price front.

would itunes be 56k friendly? ( i'm not affraid of the download times so much) meaning can I pause and resume downloads and not lose anything etc.? Also what file format is itunes? And is it unlimited use?

Its 56K friendly as long as your internet connection is stable (as in won't disconnect you during a download). iTunes uses AAC which is a better version of the MP3 standard. You can transfer your AAC track to any portable media player (I think) and you can burn it to a wav CD 8 times. You have unlimited backups.