Digital Rights Management

Yeah, the WMA format allows for far more customizeable control over how the files are licensed. It's what allows them to have the files expire if you cancel the service, etc.

A better question is becoming, why doesn't Apple just enable WMA support on iPods (I've read that their processors do have the codec). But, as has been Apple's downfall in the past, they're choosing proprietary exclusivity over open shareability. The theory being that if they convince everyone they're player is the gold standard, then they have no reason to play nice.

What about converting the wma to mp3 format? There used to be a bunch of programs out there that did that.

Sort of. The DRM protection prevents direct file conversion. There are only two ways to manage the conversion of a DRM protected file. Either purchase the file with CD burning privelages, burn a CD, and then rip the CD as an MP3. Massively time consuming, and defeats the purpose of the "try before you buy" service of Napster/Music Now. Or, there is software out there that simply records the audio into MP3 format as the file plays on your computer. Not AS time consuming, but still slow, it requires either double the storage space or continual management of storage space, and I suspect there are sound quality issues.

Neither of those options seem quite like they preserve the convenience I'm looking for.

:( I haven't done conversion since before the DRM got really strict.

My problem isn't with Apple and their exclusion of WMA (non-iPod devices won't play protected AAC files, either). It's the whole concept of DRM vs fair use issue. (see here for lots and lots of good arguments)

At the risk of derailing yet another thread (sorry, CP), I propose a new thread on intellectual property.

I'm a sheep. I just use iTunes. I don't understand what everyone else is talking about here. The acronyms mean nothing to me.

So glad I'm not the only one, iMac, iTunes, iPod, all work smoothly together. Works for me.

iTunes works, and no matter what else I choose, I'm sure I'll continue to use iTunes. But I just found the Napster/Music Now model appealing. Essentially, a single monthly fee gets you as much muic as you want/can download. And at $15/month, all you have to do is download 2 albums and you're ahead of the game.

I tend not to download whole albums though, I'm really a picker and chooser. I don't download 15 songs in a month to make it worth a service like that. Unless DH wants an audiobook, then we go over $15.