Comparing the Big 3 Download Services

IGN has posted an article that takes a quick look at the various strengths, weaknesses and differences there are among the big three download services for MP3 players. While some other notable services have been left out, the ones that offer subscription services, the article is a good introduction to the services that let you purchase on a song-by-song basis, or by album.

The services quickly reviewed are: iTunes, Musicmatch and Sony Connect. iTunes, Apple’s service, is given high marks for the awesome number of songs that are available through that service, though the writer seems to enjoy the Sony Connect interface. The IGN staff also seem to enjoy Musicmatch’s vast categorization options.

The important thing to consider, according to the article, are the devices you already have, and whether or not a specific service is compatible with it. In summary: “So which is right for you? If you own a lot of Sony electronics such as the Vaio, PSP, Sony Ericsson phones and MP3 Walkmans, you’ll be using Sony Connect to download music and load tunes into your peripherals. And while the service itself isn’t as robust as iTunes, the Network Walkman gives more bang for the buck than an iPod Shuffle. iTunes is ideal for those who want to collect lesser known tunes, as is Musicmatch, which is known for its collection of live tracks.”
IGN has posted an article that takes a quick look at the various strengths, weaknesses and differences there are among the big three download services for MP3 players. While some other notable services have been left out, the ones that offer subscription services, the article is a good introduction to the services that let you purchase on a song-by-song basis, or by album.

The services quickly reviewed are: iTunes, Musicmatch and Sony Connect. iTunes, Apple’s service, is given high marks for the awesome number of songs that are available through that service, though the writer seems to enjoy the Sony Connect interface. The IGN staff also seem to enjoy Musicmatch’s vast categorization options.

The important thing to consider, according to the article, are the devices you already have, and whether or not a specific service is compatible with it. In summary: “So which is right for you? If you own a lot of Sony electronics such as the Vaio, PSP, Sony Ericsson phones and MP3 Walkmans, you’ll be using Sony Connect to download music and load tunes into your peripherals. And while the service itself isn’t as robust as iTunes, the Network Walkman gives more bang for the buck than an iPod Shuffle. iTunes is ideal for those who want to collect lesser known tunes, as is Musicmatch, which is known for its collection of live tracks.”