Do the Math

Napster advertised its new unlimited download service during the superbowl:

For only $14.95 a month, you can fill and refill your compatible MP3 player with your favorite music

So what's the catch?

*It is necessary to maintain a Napster subscription in order to continue access to songs downloaded through the Napster service.

So do the math. It's a mere $180 per year to maintain your collection of songs. If you sign up when you are 15 years old. By the time your my age (30), you'll have spent $2,700 to not have your music collection in your physical possession.

What if Napster goes under again? What happens to your collection? You can spend $2700 on napsters collection for 15 years or you can download 2700 songs and maintain ownership for life (provided you can back up your downloads in case of mechanical failures) -- you decide.

update: Napster to Go in WaPo (Feb 13 05)

update: Turn Napster's 14 day free trial into 252 full 80 minute CDs of free music [c|net]