Originally posted by: Arnie.d
Still, I feel MP3 is a step back. I also don't understand why downloadable albums are so popular, compressed shit whithout case, cover, booklet and nice shiny compact disc that will last a lifetime if handled with care.

That's why right there. I wouldn't say people don't treat their stuff well, but a flash based mp3 player is a lot easier to handle. Some people have kids and kids aren't exactly careful with things. And you can hold a lot more albums of mp3s on something like an iPod than you can carry around that many CDs. Add in that double blind tests have shown no noticeable difference between mp3 and the actual CD (not to mention the non difference on monitoring equipment) and you have all the reasons necessary.

Downloading is quicker and easier for a lot of people. No need to go to the store to buy the latest album. Just go to iTunes and download it right to your iPod. Then just plug that into your stereo or car and away you go. All you have to do to ensure your mp3 collection doesn't bite it is to regular backups of all your files.

Mind you, I don't use iTunes. All the mp3s on my iPod are self made from previously purchased CDs. I don't use iTunes due to the DRM they embed in the files (I know they sell some without DRM, but they just embed your name and address into the file now). I know it's Apple, so they get a pass from most people on the DRM. I don't care. If I'm going to pay for music, I want it free of any restrictions. I'd rather buy the CD off Amazon and just turn it into mp3s myself.