[RayChuang88]

I think a big problem for Amazon--despite its success with the Amazon MP3 Download service--is that you need to have an external downloader program to make the download process work, something you don't need with iTunes and its in-program access and purchasing from the iTunes Store. Mind you, the Amazon downloader program automatically puts the music into the general Playlist of iTunes itself so you can easily sync it with an iPod, iPhone or even the iPad.

[TruthSetsUFree]

How is Amazon using an external downloader program any different than iTunes requiring the use of the program iTunes to download?

I find it very easy to download music from Amazon, and if you use iTunes, the album or song shows up automatically in iTunes as soon as you open it.

Amazon also has tons of free music in the form of samples from various albums. Plus, I love how you can listen to parts of each song before committing to buy.

[SunTzuWu]

I think a big problem for Amazon--despite its success with the Amazon MP3 Download service--is that you need to have an external downloader program to make the download process work

iTunes IS the external downloader program. I prefer Amazon because the MP3 you download is free to be used on any MP3 player or computer. iTunes tries to take over all the music management on our computer and the tunes can only be heard through an apple product. (iTunes on your computer or an iPod, etc...)

[PUGACHEV]

I honestly don't know what you are talking about. I download often from Amazon: once I select a song or album, I make a few mouse clicks, and the MP3 shows up on my hard drive in less than ten seconds. I then do whatever I want with it: put it on a stick and play it on my car radio, click and drop it to an MP3 player, burn it to a disc, or just leave it on my computer to play with Windows Media Player. I can make an infinite number of copies of the MP3 to suit whatever purpose I choose; I paid for it it's mine. I guess there is an installer in there somewhere but it has never gotten in my way.