Now that The Beatles’ music is available on iTunes, Fab Four fans have an easier way to load the iconic band’s songs on their iPods and iPhones. They’ll pay a hefty premium for the convenience, however.
While iTunes is selling most Beatles albums for $12.99, Amazon is offering CD versions of those same titles for only $7.99. Similarly, “The Beatles” double album (better known at the “White Album”) is $19.99 at iTunes, but just $11.99 at Amazon. Compare for yourself:
It’s unclear whether Amazon’s super-low prices on Beatles’ CDs will continue, or whether they’ll creep up to iTunes’ levels. It’s important to factor in shipping costs too. If I buy Rubber Soul (my favorite Beatles album) at Amazon, I’ll pay $7.99 plus $2.98 for shipping. My total cost: $10.97. That’s $2 less than iTunes’ price--not quite the killer bargain it first seemed. Then again, if I spend $25 or more at Amazon—maybe I’ll get Revolver and the White Album too—shipping is free.
With CDs, of course, you could easily copy the Beatles’ songs to your iPod. And you’d have a physical backup of each album, which you could keep or give to a friend, family member, or even a card-carrying member of the RIAA.
Other online retailers may beat Amazon’s prices, but don’t forget to factor in shipping and sales tax before you buy.
Contact Jeff Bertolucci via Twitter (@jbertolucci) or at jbertolucci.blogspot.com.
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