[RayChuang88]

Here's the thing: people who have studied using computers note that if a feature you want requires you to install a third-party program, the less likely you want to use it. And that's the rub against the Amazon MP3 Download service--you have to install Amazon's own downloader program in addition to running iTunes to make it work.

Meanwhile, because iTunes is a "soup to nuts" solution, you can buy and download the music without leaving iTunes itself. That's why most of the legal digital music downloads are done through iTunes.

[dangerdoc]

iTunes is the third party program I don’t want to run on my computer. I’ve downloaded music from Amazon without problem. When I run iTunes, it makes my entire system slow down and become unstable.

I don’t care who sells more music, I just hope Amazon sells enough to stay in business. I appreciate being able to buy good-quality, legal MP3 files without any DRM.

[metesky]

WalMart also has its own downloader. Works pretty well; $9 albums, less for older ones.

[TruthSetsUFree]

Right, but here’s also the thing: iTunes is ALSO a third-party program, and not everyone uses iTunes OR Apple products. There are other good mp3 players out there, and the Amazon download program is MUCH less intrusive and is a much smaller program than iTunes is and it will import into Windows Media Center just as easily as it will iTunes. You’re making the assumption that everyone has iTunes, but they don’t.