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Subscription music confusion--Ask the Editors

What can I say: I'm a sucker for constructive feedback. Recently, I posted a piece about why I'm so infatuated with Rhapsody's subscription service, and I was pleased as punch to hear that the unconventional music model has some supporters aside from myself. The article also generated a fair amount of questions about the service and how exactly it works--understandable, what with the fact that the subscription music model is not exactly transparent. This week's MP3 Mailbox Monday addresses two aspects the model that I think will be particularly helpful for subscription music newcomers.

Q: I was told by a friend that once he declined the yearly service offered by Rhapsody, he was no longer able to play his MP3 songs already downloaded to his personal MP3 player. I do not know the maker of the personal player, but I know he had downloaded the files to his computer, and transferred them to the player, free MP3's, which were part of a trial offer from Rhapsody. What I would like to know: how can the player not function and play those MP3's once he no longer had an active account at the Rhapsody site? Thanks for your help. -- Richard, via e-mail.

A: I doubt that they were "free MP3s." If he signed up for a free trial of Rhapsody, he would have been able to download and stream any music from the Rhapsody catalog during that free trial, but after the trial was up, he would no longer be able to play the files (unless he continued the subscription by paying for it). The tracks themselves were not free--the subscription was during that time. Once the subscription is up, you no longer get access to the music.

Also, the files were likely not MP3s at all, but DRM-protected WMAs, which is what Rhapsody uses for its subscription catalog. The reason it uses this type of file is that WMA DRM10 tracks are capable of having a timer built in, which allows them to lock after a certain time period if a person does not continue paying for the subscription. (Likewise, in order for a device to support subscription music, it has to have a hardware clock built in that is compatible with this timer.)… Read more

Bluetoothing your speakers--Ask the Editors

Q: What is the best all-around Bluetooth speaker adapter if I want to connect my laptop to some good speakers that are not equipped with Bluetooth?--Tom, via e-mail

A: What you would want is a Bluetooth receiver, which can be a challenge to find; actually, we don't review them at all at this time, so I can't give you a personal opinion on any specific product of this kind. Generally, I get questions from people who are looking for a Bluetooth transmitter, which will allow you to connect a non-Bluetooth audio device with headphones or speakers that … Read more

Speakers for MP3 players--Ask the Editors

Q: I've recently started looking for either a small MP3 player with a good speaker on it, or a small portable speaker that I can travel with that will work with my Zune and other players. I prefer a nonfolding one. I tried to look for a recent review of either category, but didn't find any. Can you help?--Jeremy, via e-mail

A: Right off the bat, I recommend checking out our top 10 portable speakers product roundup. Any of those speakers come with a high recommendation.

However, if you're looking for something ultracompact, pay particular attention to the Soundmatters FoxL, the Samsung BS300, and the iMainGo 2 (this last one does double duty as a protective case for your player).

One other option that did not make the top 10 but still might be a good choice for you is the Sony SRS-M50. It's plenty compact and the two speakers can actually be separated for wider sound.… Read more

Headphone ratings and sets for $100 and less--Ask the Editors

Q: I read that I could send an e-mail for help on products?! I am only 16, so I couldn't really say that I am an audiophile or have mastered the world of sound. I do, however, love music and the art/technology of sound.

I used to own a pair of Shure SE120, which really introduced me to the world of above-standard sound. Those broke twice, but I got a new pair each time from Shure and I was very happy. Right now, I own a pair of Phillips SHE9850 and am very happy with those.

I was … Read more

Shure versus Ultimate Ears--Ask the Editors

Q: I just want your personal opinion on this as a CNET editor of music devices and accessories. Let's say money is not a factor. I am wondering which of the below is the best option (I have an iPhone 3G and love to listen to music): the UE Triple.fi 10vi, the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro, or the Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Headphones. Keep in mind I own and am very comfortable with the fit of the Shure SE110 Sound Isolating headphones, and Shure SE210 sound isolating headphones. Thanks.--Ashwin, via e-mail

A: Given that you are … Read more

Getting iTunes podcasts on a Sansa Fuze--Ask the Editors

Q: Wish I had known before I bought my Fuze last week that iTunes wasn't going to work, although I have to say, I'm glad to discover I'm not losing my mind when I plug it in and don't see anything on iTunes saying "put your files on your player." For now it sounds like the best I can do is to burn all my iTunes purchases onto discs and rerip them as MP3s using Windows Media Player (WMP)? I'm assuming I'll have to type in the track, album, and artist info myself, but there are always rainy days for that sort of thing...

A more immediate concern for me is downloading podcasts--I love mellowing with a little informative talk rather than trying to DJ and find "just the right song," plus the 30-mins (or so) length is perfect for my workouts. So what's the best way to get podcasts off the ether and into my ears, in your opinion? I'm looking for the simplest, fastest, least brain-damaging method. I've been using iTunes and then drag-and-dropping them in Windows Explorer, but even with a high-speed connection at home that seems extraordinarily slow (I thought these things were low bitrate so they'd be easier to move around?) as well as inelegant.--Anton, via e-mail

A: As for the first question about converting the iTunes tracks, what you mentioned is pretty much exactly it. It's definitely time consuming, but the legality is not questionable, and even with burned CDs, WMP will often recognize the album and be able to fill in ID3 tag info for you automatically. There are also programs such as NoteBurner, which converts the tracks without having to burn and re-rip. However, last I checked, this method was legally questionable, what with the fact that such software circumvents the DRM technology. However, it's still readily available, so clearly the area is gray enough.… Read more

What's the best new MP3 player--Ask the Editors

Q: I'm looking for a good replacement for my obsolete MP3 player, but I'm just tired of seeing the iPod that everyone has. So do you guys have any suggestions for any decent upcoming or already-out MP3 players? Also, can I ask what you guys think of the Samsung P3, the Iriver E50, and the Sony Walkman X-Series? Are they worth it, and when are they coming out?--JL, via e-mail

A: Since none of those players are out yet, and we therefore haven't been able to spend any hands-on time with review units, any opinions are preliminary at this point. I did get to spend a little time with the Iriver E50 and the Samsung P3, but I only saw the Sony X-Series Walkman under glass, so I don't have any observations on that besides what I wrote in the preview. Currently, Sony isn't releasing much info regarding a sale date, but early summer seems to be a safe bet. I can tell you that the Iriver E50 is like a smaller version of the E100. It has the same features and will probably offer similar sound quality, but it does have a higher-quality feel than the older player. One downside: I think the E50 is only going to go up to 4GB. It should be out any day now, though.

Similarly, the Samsung P3 offers almost all the same features as the P2 and will likely sound just as stellar as its predecessor did. The P3 also has a sleeker, nicer-feeling design, as it's constructed out of metal rather than plastic. It's also slightly more compact and offers an updated interface. Plus, some of the button placement is different. For example, the volume buttons are on the top rather than on the side. Incidentally, this is the one thing I'm personally not too fond of on the P3; I prefer volume on the side, but this is a seriously minute gripe. If you like touch screens, I think the P3 is definitely worth a look, and it's expected to hit shelves in mid-April.… Read more

Ditching the iPod, but sticking with iTunes--Ask the Editors

Q: Now that iTunes has FINALLY become DRM-free, I am looking to try out a different type of MP3 player. I have been stuck to iTunes because I have a couple thousand purchased songs, and I really like the setup and use of iTunes overall. I have always wanted to try a different MP3 player. Now that I can, can you tell me what you think is the number-one-sounding MP3 player that you have tested?--Mark, via e-mail

A: There are a couple of things you will want to keep in mind in your situation. The first is that the … Read more

Jukeboxes for Sansa and chargers for Walkman--Ask the Editors

Now that we've all had a chance to settle down from the holidays and CES 2009, I think it's high time MP3 Mailbox Monday rings in the new year. (Am I the only one who's insanely happy to have finally made it to the end of January?) If you picked up a new device in these past several weeks, it's the perfect time to think post-purchase.

For MP3 players, music services and accessories are just where to start. But which music service should you to use? And do you really need a computer on hand every time you want to recharge your player? Find out below.

Q: I bought myself a Sansa Fuze MP3 Player for under 90 dollars. I finally want to get into this MP3 thing more. I figure this would be a good one to start out with according to CNET and consumers. However, I'm kind of at a loss on how to load it. No, I haven't read the manual. (Do techies--even unemployed ones--ever read manuals?) What music service is best for this player? My cousin gave me his first-gen Nano once. It was OK except the battery kept dying. So I have an account on ITunes. May I use iTunes to download CDs to put on my Fuze? Should I try Napster? Rhapsody? WinAmp?

Being unemployed for the time being, I want to use a service where I don't have to pay a monthly fee, if I can. Can I use Amazon or Walmart with out having to use a monthly fee? Pay by the download is OK with me. What do you suggest? --Carol, via e-mail

A: Well, I try not to read manuals unless absolutely necessary, so I feel you there. As far as music services go, you have a few options if you are looking to purchase individual MP3s or albums. Unfortunately, iTunes is not one of them, so the account there isn't going to do you much good with the Fuze.… Read more

Gifting digital downloads--Ask the Editors

CNET is about to close its doors for the rest of 2008, but I couldn't take off on my extra-long, well-deserved holiday break without leaving you with one last tidbit of wisdom for the season of giving. Namely, what's a procrastinator to do when he or she wants to give the gift of digital downloads at the last minute? A couple of options for you below.

Q: I, as most people, am trying to find the last gifts on my list before Christmas. Instead of sending people CDs or movies in the mail, however, I wanted to send … Read more