Comments on: Upgrading to a DRM-free iTunes library will cost you

Apple will not only offer new tracks stripped of copy-protection software, it will let you remove DRM from your existing iTunes collection--for 30 cents per song.

[Reuben_K]

It's one of those "Yeah, but..." things.

On the surface, all iTunes Plus files are DRM-free. In reality, though, Apple purposefully puts a flaw into every single music file so that it only plays on iPods. Luckily, it can be fixed by using the PutPinfInItsPlace program:

http://techtransit.blogspot.com/2007/06/putpinfinitsplace-itunes-plus-fixer-for.html

Also, while they cost the same as "old" MP4 AAC 128kbps music files, iTunes Plus music files are double the size, which means, if you choose to do it the Apple way, you'll end up having to get a bigger iPod, and spend a HELL of a lot more money just to store you stuff. And what about the hard drive space it'll take up on your computer?

Does Apple really think where REALLY stupid???!!! The way I see it, this'll kill iTunes as we know it. Why the HELL would anybody agree to this blatent ripoff???!!! If you want it this way, Stevie, fine. I'll just get my stuff off of CDs, and you can take your iTunes Plus music files and shove it you-know-where!!! I refuse to be ripped off like this!!!

And one more thing: If Bill Gates had DOJ going after him for using his power to take down Netscape, then Stevie Jobs should expect the same for trying to monopolize digital music via iTunes.

[smilin:)]

Wake up folks, you are being ripped off.

You already own the rights to the music. The DRM shouldn't have been there to begin with and now they are going to charge you to remove it. The actual process of removing your DRM (check your account, see if you own it, let you download non-drm copy) is essentially free for apple yet they are charging you.

Don't say it costs apple 30 cents worth of bandwidth or server power to do this. Don't say it's because of the music labels either..they shouldn't be charging different prices for the exact same song.

Apple should do this for free.

[TopherCronin]

I'm a little angry. I think 1/3 the cost of the original song to allow me to play the song on non-Apple devices is a little steep. I've been purchasing from the store since early 2005. With the available tracks so far, it's going to cost me over $450 to upgrade.

Kind of a slap in the face to the loyal customers who made iTunes the #1 music retailer, don't you think?

[shusseina2]

Ripping songs to CD and then re-importing them is hardly a solution, the music quality would degrade noticeably.

How come Apple forces users to convert their WHOLE library to take advantage of the 30 cents upgrade offer? Why can't I pick and choose the songs I upgrade? I have already bought the songs, so I shouldn't need to pay more than 30 cents to upgrade them, regardless of how many songs I choose to upgrade.

[cgsaben]

If they are removing DRM, does this mean that the 5 computer limit will go away too?

[daisy-blue]

Sounds good.

However,I hope Apple gives more options on upgrading my original purchases. I have hundreds of music in my itunes library,and I'm counting the money that will cost if I update all of them!

Thanksful,a converter is much economical.So,I still use software to help me:
http://www.flash-on-tv.com/media-converter.html#141

I'll just wait for Apple to carry out more actions.

[kxmmxk]

Apple has had DRM free songs for awhile now. The upgrade option is nothing new. It will scan your library and let you know when ever you have songs that have been changed to DRM-free. And yes you pay per song, I would think for the better quality you are getting (and Apple's costs in pushing DRM-free when no music companies want it). This is really nothing new and I'm surprised so many people think it is. Everyone wanted DRM-free, now they give it to you and you complain. They give you a way to upgrade songs you've already bought to DRM-free and better quality without have to rebuy, and still you complain. Really!!!

As far as ripping and re=ripping. Couldn't you just use a bunch of DVD-RW discs to get all the songs from you library and then re-rip them back in, then reuse the DVD-RWs? I don't think iTunes cares whether you are using CD or DVD media. It makes it faster, less costly, and no waste. So what's the big deal????

[fondy]

Thankfully my first DAP was a Rio, which led me to the helpful folks at riovolution.com (dot org now) who advised me to steer clear of DRM for this very reason.

[kemorr]

Paying the same price for an mp3 download as for a cd has never and will never make sense to me as a consumer! Most people don't mind because they are far more concerned with convenience and instant access and as Americans we are willing to pay a premium (often a hefty one) for this privilege.

I would be willing to pay the same or slightly less for a lossless format (ie - FLAC) as I would for a cd, as long as I can also have access to the cover art and album notes.

Paying full price for MP3 is the equivalent of paying photo prices for poster prints, it's a complete ripoff. I have never and will never pay anything for inferior quality mp3. I do understand that not everyone cares about sound quality and if you're only going to listen on the free earbuds that came with your digital media player then you really probably can't hear a difference.