Straightforward to use, but not without it's flaws (iTunes)

Member Name: alexlea88

Product:	iTunes
Date:	12/08/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease of use, design, extensive iTunes store

Disadvantages: Constant updates, have to install Quick Time.

I've had an iPod for a couple of years now, just the small shuffle (see my other review for more info!) and so probably use iTunes more than most as I'm constantly connecting my iPod and shuffling the track listing.

Other than iTunes, I've not used an MP3 player before, so can't comment on what iTunes is like compared to other methods of copying and adding music to MP3 players, but from what I've seen, although it has a few flaws, iTunes is fine for what I need it for.

The layout is plain and in keeping with most of Apple's software (from what I've seen - I'm not a Mac user but have used Safari etc) and has a pleasant simplistic minimalism to it. In terms of adding and updating music, it's straightforward and you can set it up to copy CDs over straight away without being prompted. Using the internet you can access music databases to give you all tack listings and other info and add album artwork (which is a bit temperamental, but you can do it manually.

ITunes stores music as AAC format, although I'm not sure if that has any bearing on music quality. You can change MP3 tracks to AAC but anything you download from the iTunes Store as an AAC is protected and you can't change it back. All in all, getting your music onto iTunes and your iPod is an easy experience.

I'm not going to get into a discussion on music downloads, but from what I've seen of the iTunes store, the music is pretty overpriced if you're looking for single tracks (79p each), but not so bad if you're out for whole albums (typically £7.99 each). Personally I look out for single tracks, and adding credit, selecting and downloading is an easy enough affair. It's also really useful to listen to a 30 second sample before you download, but I'm sure that's nothing unique in the music download world. I'm also a bit perplexed as to why iTunes has significant gaps in its collection. Maybe it's just me and my tastes, but some albums and artists are just not there (Mr Scruff anyone?). Maybe it's the artists themselves not wanting anything to do with Apple. But there are a few nice touches like suggestions for other music, and the option to go back and by a whole album for a discounted price within a short space of time if you like the track you downloaded.

There are a few irritating problems - I can't seem to group some compilation albums together, so they appear as a number of tracks by different artists in the music library which is irritating, and I have had problems in the past with whole albums disappearing overnight. Maybe it's just me. I've had a play around and I can't seem to sort it out. Suggestions anyone?

There also seems to be new updates every week or so, which means you have to go through a long winded update process which changes your icons and asks you to restart you computer. You can cancel it, but it's every week!

One other thing, it seems that you can't install iTunes without installing QuickTime, which is probably something to do with video playback within iTunes. Not only is this plain annoying, it also plays merry hell with your media settings. I had to go back into my media settings and change the default options so all my videos will play on Media Player.

There's also a Genius application which will search your music and cross-reference it with other selections of the iTunes store to suggest tracks and artists you might like. I've given it a go, and you can switch it off, but it's just more gubbins in the background. Probably one for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

To conclude, ITunes is a perfectly fine way to store, copy and buy music. It's got a few small flaws, and if you have an iPod, you don't really have choice do you? By and large, it could be worse, but it does what I need it for and a few other nice touches as well.

Summary: If you have an iPod, it's not like you can go anywhere else.

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