News
HP dumped Napster for iTunes
By Dennis Lloyd
Publisher, iLoungeGoogle+
Published: Thursday, February 19, 2004
News Categories: iTunes
“It was a breakthrough deal that would have put the Napster kitty on millions of Hewlett-Packard computers.
But in the days leading up to Napster’s re-launch in late October, HP suddenly—and without explanation—returned Napster’s $250,000 check and canceled the agreement to install a link to Napster’s online music service on its computers. Worse, in January HP announced a surprise partnership with Napster rival Apple Computer to feature the iTunes Music store on HP computers and sell Hewlett-Packard branded iPod music players.”
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1
I don’t know if I’d call iTunes Napster’s ‘rival’...
I’d say Napster is iTunes’ ‘#####’... :D
Posted by Rob on February 19, 2004 at 8:17 AM (PST)
2
Is it OK to say:
HAHAHAHAHAH IN YO FACE NAPSTER!!!
Posted by Nicky G on February 19, 2004 at 8:24 AM (PST)
3
Does this mean cheaper iPods??!!! Kinda like how Dell rebrands other devices and sells them cheaper?
In any case…WAY TO GO APPLE!
Posted by ILoveMusic on February 19, 2004 at 8:26 AM (PST)
4
I notice in the story that it says Target is selling napster cards? Aren’t they also selling iTMS cards? It will be interesting to see how they match in terms of sales.
Also, what happened to the Napster branded mp3 player? Is it true that Napster makes no $ off their sales? How bizarre a business decision is that?
Posted by domArch on February 19, 2004 at 8:43 AM (PST)
5
Napster and iTMS are both crap. They are for suckers. Don’t believe the hype.
Posted by both rubbish on February 19, 2004 at 8:54 AM (PST)
6
“Worse, in January….”
What a biased article! Napster is falling apart and losing money. HP would be in a huge bind had they picked them up. You could counte that by saying it would have helped Napster, but they’re failing now, right now. HP made a smart move. This summer should be interesting.
Posted by Aaron Miller on February 19, 2004 at 8:56 AM (PST)
7
iTunes is easier to use and has a better lay out.
But in terms of selection Napster is every bit the equal of iTunes.
In fact..the other day I had a list of 1 album and a few songs I wanted and Napster had all…iTunes had ZERO.
Now,if Napster would switch from WMA to MP3 and offer a cleaner menu system I would probably use Napster more,or at least as often, as I use ITMS.
Posted by whome on February 19, 2004 at 9:54 AM (PST)
8
Shawn Fanning is working on some new P2P subscription service that is sure to be another blow to the new “napster”.
Posted by Ryan on February 19, 2004 at 11:39 AM (PST)
9
I take back everything bad I said about HP, that really is a smart company. It is kinda weird to see the sorta-merge between two companies that are oppistie as HP makes (for the most part) PC and PC accesories while Apple makes Mac and Mac accesories. Good for Steve (even though I hate Apple computer but love my iPod) it looks like Apple is starting to make the right decisions, finally!
Posted by haha on February 19, 2004 at 6:43 PM (PST)
10
Napster has squandered so much money and name recognition.
They’re chasing a pipedream… why would people pay for what they can get for free?
Shawn Fanning will deliver a symbolic blow to Napster if he delivers a new subscription service, but he’s already sho his wad (luckily he got paid A LOT FOR IT!).
Posted by BigSid in Los Angeles on February 19, 2004 at 7:29 PM (PST)