Huh? You replaced your PowerBook with a 7" screen, (max) 8GB drive, 1GB ram that runs Linux??? Why do I find that hard to believe...

Because you missed the point of his note. He was looking for a sub-notebook (so my guess is that he had a 12" TiBook, which many a road-warrior have held on to well past its prime because of it being light weight, durable, and small).

Since the Air didn't meet his needs or expectations, he decided to jump aboard a real sub-notebook (as you say, 7" screen means it is SMALL). Its probably faster and leaner then his tibook (which is how old now?), and does what he needs.

Not everyone is such a slave to Apple or so consumed with aesthetics over common-sense that every product they buy has to be from them. If you just need a computer to do some light lifting (internet apps, some general business use) that doesn't make your carry-on feel like it's loaded with bricks, why not save $1200 and get the Asus???

Why would I buy from iTunes which is iPod only when I could buy from Amazon which works on any music player?

Because of the ease of use! The integration alone makes it worth the hassle of being tied to Apple for the rest of your life. I mean, if you buy from Amazon, you either have to download the music to your computer, and then find the file(s), and then drag it to itunes to add it to your library. By that point, most users are glassy-eyed and ready to blow their brains out. Sure, you could install that software that will auto-add the files to iTunes, but I'm sure it'll take admin passwords to install, or end up being malware or something.

You're just better off giving all your money to Apple.

Says 13 comments, but I see only eight.... anyone else?

I think its due to the crappy forum software which must keep a count of comments separate from the actual list. Due to the bug where posting a comment goes to the last article you opened, rather than the one you click on, I would surmise the count is being updated for the one you click on. Thus, somewhere in the forums, there's 5 more comments posted to the wrong article.....

Why would I buy from iTunes which is iPod only when I could buy from Amazon which works on any music player?

Guest, you are an a** for pushing your stupid personal agenda in the guise of a topical post. You're also a hypocrite for proclaiming that choice is good unless it's a choice you disagree with, then choice is bad. You're also a coward for posting anonymously.

Back on topic, the first comments here nailed it I think, Amazon is a very, very distant #2. And I agree with the article that the whole DRM free music thing is absolutely deliberate, simply to shove it in Apple's face. There's no reason all 4 labels can't allow DRM-free music to be sold on iTunes - they just don't like Apple because Apple "bullies" them into not horribly gouging their customers.

One thing that article didn't mention is that while some songs are $.89 on Amazon, other songs are $2. In fact the most popular songs are usually $2. Variable pricing doesn't mean "always cheaper". This form of "variable gouging" is probably one of the factors that lead the 4 labels to go DRM-free on Amazon.

Yet another misguided attempt at sarcasm there Testudo. Let me ask you something - how come you didn't pick up on that guy's "iTunes only works on iPod" comment? Are you as ignorant as he is? Do you really believe AAC files can only be played on iPods? And really now, you can't think of any reasons to buy from the iTunes store instead of Amazon? Not one?

How about Amazon's variable pricing? You like paying twice as much for your music? How about sound quality? AAC is higher quality than MP3. How about selection? iTunes' library is bigger than Amazon's.

But these arguments are futile right? Because facts have no place in your world. You just keep raging against the machine there sparky, don't let facts get in your way.

Yeah, if downloading, finding the files, and dragging it to iTunes is too difficult, you had better stick to iTunes.

...obviously, one of those idiots deliberately making their life more coplex in order to make some kind of statement. Generally, idiots.

Yeah, whiel I applaud Amazon for doing it right, when they fail to give you accurate numbers, or any numbers at all, it means they gap between iTunes and Amazon is huge.

Still, regardless how many Amazon sells, most people will play them on iPods, and judging by where iPods are ranked in Amazon's sales ranks... well, Apple wins either way.

I'm sure Grendelmon is busily switching to a zune or creative player...

"Not everyone is such a slave to Apple or so consumed with aesthetics over common-sense that every product they buy has to be from them. If you just need a computer to do some light lifting (internet apps, some general business use) that doesn't make your carry-on feel like it's loaded with bricks, why not save $1200 and get the Asus???"

Not everyone is a slave to Microsoft or so consumed with following the herd that every product has to be from Microsoft. If you want a light computer, get an iPod touch or an iPhone and have something much more portable and versatile than your Linux laptop and save all the time you would spend trying to get things working right.

"Because of the ease of use! The integration alone makes it worth the hassle of being tied to Apple for the rest of your life. I mean, if you buy from Amazon, you either have to download the music to your computer, and then find the file(s), and then drag it to itunes to add it to your library. By that point, most users are glassy-eyed and ready to blow their brains out. Sure, you could install that software that will auto-add the files to iTunes, but I'm sure it'll take admin passwords to install, or end up being malware or something."

You can burn all the Apple media to a audio CD and then reimport it and then it has no restrictions. Since it is only a few mouse clicks, then even you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out how to do it. People use Apple because they value their time and it is compatible with any music service even if you can't play MP3s on your device.

I still use my TiBook- so on my EEE I just remotely copy them to my Mac and use iTunes to send up the amazon mp3s.

"Huh? You replaced your PowerBook with a 7" screen, (max) 8GB drive, 1GB ram that runs Linux??? Why do I find that hard to believe..."

Believe it my friend. I wanted an Apple sub-notebook, and that didn't happen. The #1 reason being that I travel so much, especially flying. I can't even open my TiBook all the way to use it while sitting in coach on any airline. The Asus EEE is the perfect size for air travel. I got the 4G model, bumped up the memory to 1GB, and bought an 8GB SDHC card. I still have plenty of space left.

"...obviously, one of those idiots deliberately making their life more coplex in order to make some kind of statement. Generally, idiots.

Yeah, whiel I applaud Amazon for doing it right, when they fail to give you accurate numbers, or any numbers at all, it means they gap between iTunes and Amazon is huge.

Still, regardless how many Amazon sells, most people will play them on iPods, and judging by where iPods are ranked in Amazon's sales ranks... well, Apple wins either way.

I'm sure Grendelmon is busily switching to a zune or creative player..."

Brilliant commentary.

This story has been altered. Apparently a line was left out that has important significance. The original story read 4 major record labels claim Amazon is number 2 with no other facts or independent studies to back up this claim. Major FUD spread!

There is an obvious need for a real microlaptop from Apple. They just haven't done it yet and they are losing some customers because of it. I'd love the option of an EeeePC with touchscreen and Leopard. Oh, well, I can use the money for something else.

As for Amazon, more power to them, but the record labels are acting like little kids.

Respect life and women, both ... but who gets to decide?

how come you didn't pick up on that guy's "iTunes only works on iPod" comment? Are you as ignorant as he is?

OK, so now I'm being criticized for not bashing enough???

Do you really believe AAC files can only be played on iPods?

Fairplay protected AAC files can only be played on an iPod. If you know of another device that can do this, please, let us all know.

And really now, you can't think of any reasons to buy from the iTunes store instead of Amazon? Not one?

I guess 'ease of use' and 'integration with the iPod' weren't reasons enough for you?

How about Amazon's variable pricing? You like paying twice as much for your music?

Exciting. Except I don't buy new music (since we all know it generally sucks - why we all hate FM radio, right) so it wouldn't cost me $2 anyway.

Not everyone is a slave to Microsoft or so consumed with following the herd that every product has to be from Microsoft.

Gee, maybe if you got your head out of Jobs' a**, you would notice that the laptop runs Linux, and, as such, buying it would not be following the Microsoft herd. But, hey, why let that bother your argument.

If you want a light computer, get an iPod touch or an iPhone and have something much more portable and versatile than your Linux laptop and save all the time you would spend trying to get things working right.

Sorry, but there's no way an iPhone is more versatile than any computer. It is limited in what it can do (right now, it is a glorified web-viewer and email reader), and it has a nice monthly cost of $60 for the pleasure of using it.

Of course, you can get a touch. But be prepared to spend money just to get the right to install applications on it (assuming you didn't buy it for XMas, whereupon you need to spend money just to get an email app on it).

But in the future, you'll be able to get apps. Well, Apps Apple will let you have. But, wow, you'll get some kick-a** apps.

Oh, but there's nothing of a anti-everyone-who's-not-all-mac herd mentality in your comment. Do you really think it takes any effort at all to get the ASUS working right?

We're not talking about some computer you build in your basement with mix/match parts and then trying to get the drivers for them and hoping it will boot. It comes pre-set-up and working, right out of the box.

You can burn all the Apple media to a audio CD and then reimport it and then it has no restrictions. Since it is only a few mouse clicks, then even you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out how to do it. People use Apple because they value their time and it is compatible with any music service even if you can't play MP3s on your device.

Oh yes, just a few mouse clicks. And all the time wasted burning the disk. And then reading the disk. Then updating your library, because the names won't match what they were before. And then repeat 100 times. Oh, and lose a couple of generations of quality. Great.

Here's an idea, apple should just allow you to remove the DRM from all music that you have that is now offered sans DRM. Nice, simple, to the point. Oh, wait, that would reduce people's requirement to use iTunes and iPods. Can't have that. (But I'm sure you'll blame this all on the labels).

There's no reason all 4 labels can't allow DRM-free music to be sold on iTunes - they just don't like Apple because Apple "bullies" them into not horribly gouging their customers.

They both are being bullies. Apple wants their way. The labels want their way. And all the labels want is the ability to set the prices for their product, not have a price forced down their throat.

Here's an idea, why not let the consumer decide. You say Amazon charges $2 for some songs, and how do I like paying that? Well, I made the choice NOT to pay that. It is the way of capitalism. Supply/Demand.

And I'm still waiting to find out how it is OK for Apple to charge different prices for albums (with no logic behind the pricing), yet songs are somehow sacred and must be fixed price. It is worse on the video store, since you have to figure out whether the movie is new or old, are you renting vs. buying, are you getting the HD version or the regular version. But say a song might cost $2, and people's heads are going to explode...

Does it go back to the point that people who use the iTMS are just too stupid or so completely incapable of thought that the concept of looking at the price of a product before buying it is that hard?

However it is a shame that so many on the Windows side live in a cloud of such ignorance that they don't see real innovation when it happens and they don't appreciate those who did the real work before. Just a commentary on consumer myopia.

And it is a shame on how much Apple gets 'credit' for has existed on the other side as well. Oooh, build in web-cam, just like those PC laptops did (although the PC ones rotate).

Oh, and speaking of myopia, it took apple long enough to cure itself WRT multi-button mice, although it still isn't the default on any machine.

testudo, how tiresome. I use Amazon, if the track is cheaper there. Otherwise it's an iTMS sale.

iPod still holds the day. You can play ACC files on other computers provided they have authorization. Otherwise, you can simply burn the tracks to disk and transfer that way. ACC can be converted to mp3.

This said, Apple still makes a collection of great personal listening devices. Everyone else is still behind. Facts, simple facts.

Competition is good, zune is not the competition. Sandisk and the like are.

What I like from a music player is that it plays music. Radio, phone, or confessional! I could care a less. So could pretty much anyone who uses these things.

To compare the "innovations" of microsoft with those of Apple both on the music, computer hardware and software fronts is laughable.

Even if I loathed Apple, the fact that a doofus like Ballmer runs the show at MS would be enough for me to eschew all things MS.

You've got to excuse me now. I'm going to troll out to a number of zune sites to post complains how my new zune skips and gets aweful battery life.

"Fairplay protected AAC files can only be played on an iPod. If you know of another device that can do this, please, let us all know. "

Motorola ROKR E1, Motorola SLVR, Motorola RAZR V3i. Your assumption that no other players can use Fairplay is flat out wrong.

"Exciting. Except I don't buy new music (since we all know it generally sucks - why we all hate FM radio, right) so it wouldn't cost me $2 anyway. "

That's it? That's your answer? If you don't buy new music anyway then why are you even arguing for or against any online music purchasing at all? Clearly it doesn't affect you one way or the other, so why even bother?

Oh wait - I know why. You're Testudo. You don't have to make sense, as long as you're arguing about something.

I will never ever ever buy from Amazon. First, customer service really stinks bad. You cannot find anybody who works for that company who is not in India. Sorry, Amazon, but you need to hire a few people who speak English well enough for me to understand.

Second, buying from Amazon really is a win for the Labels, which ultimately is a loss for consumers. It isn't like Apple doesn't want to offer DRM free music. The Labels, however, will not let it because it wants Amazon to catch up to Apple so they can ultimately force prices higher or do away with DRM free music. If people recall, the Label's stink with Apple is it would not allow them to raise the prices and force you to buy linked purchases. When Apple suggested DRM free music (before Amazon started offering it) the Labels balked and said that was a horrible idea.

Third, iTunes is still a better way to search for music. Moreover, I have never found that Apple's industry forced DRM is much of an impediment to moving my music to where I want it. I will pay a few more pennies to keep the Labels miserable.