Apple Inc (AAPL)

[Altaire4_2dot0]

i disagree the DRM is an advantage, imo the advantage is that when you strip away the DRM you're left with an industry-standard licensable-to-anyone, playable-everywhere file.

Then what makes makes Apple's music solution better ?

The iPod ? ... alot of cheaper devices out there.

The iTunes store ?

IMHO, Apples use of the Fairplay DRM may very well be Apple's #1 advantage over the competition. Fairplay is to the Music world sort of what MS Office is to the Business world. The fact you can export to MP3 is a cool feature no doubt but it doesn't keep customers coming to the iTunes store when cheaper prices are out there. The HP deal almost gives Apple a lock on the music niche.

Time will tell, But I'd put money on AAPL on this one.

BR, Altaire4