Can Amazon take on iTunes?

I work with PCs all day.  I use a mac at home.

I still buy CDs but listen to music mostly on PC or Mac using itunes software, or on a cheap mp3 player or phone.

I don’t like ipod & itunes store because they added hassle of DRM, autorisation, etc.  I’ve just never seen the point of all that additional hassle when all you want is simple mp3 format file that you can copy onto any of your devices and players.  Due to all this I haven’t actually used ipods very much and while the interface may well be good I just don’t think it is worth all the hassle.

The Itunes store on the other hand is fantastic for finding podcasts and it has cornered the market for online purchase and download of songs.  Until today perhaps…

Today Amazon mp3 was launched in the UK

I’ve just spent a few hours browsing around, looking for odd and obscure tracks and found initially at least that the database is extensive enough for me, though no doubt you will soon see artists exclusivly signed up to either itunes or amazon.  I downloaded three tracks for under £2, it was all very easy and the tracks have gone straight into my itunes database, but more importantly they are simply three mp3 file with no DRM so I can now copy these tracks to my phone, mp3 player, work PC, etc.

I’ve always liked Amazon, with its user reviews, recommendations and wish lists, so I really do hope this works as effective competition to the itunes store.