In considering the "right" music download site for your requirements you have to know what you want. In general, PSP users fall into three categories, the first one could be labelled "price insensitive" (PSP users who have deep pockets), the second category the 'freebie' seekers and the third category will include PSP users who have been in the first category and are now finding that sourcing PSP music to be quite expensive.
Quite often, PSP users who would now prefer to have cheap or free PSP music are more often opting to search for "free" content download sites. These exist, most of these are bad in the sense that you can end up downloading a lot of viruses or broken link music files-which is not what you really want.
To be sure, there are PSP users that really dig searching for these P2P sites and "technically savvy" enough to overcome any of the spyware or Trojan problems that they may get. In fact for some this is actually a thrill. Hopefully, you are not in this category. It would be fair to say that most consumers want the most value for the least hassle.
If you are tempted to go down the freebie route - please don't. Take it from me, you will end up with more hassles than it's worth. The bottom line is that free doesn't always mean free.
You may already be the owner of an iPod, in addition to your PSP, if so then the best way to go for the iPod is to download from iTunes or Napster, even if it costs $.99 per download. However, you may not be aware that there are differences in the file format for playing in PSP and an iPod. Fortunately, these differences are not difficult to overcome. So, if you are looking, primarily for music for a PSP then you're going to have to source a download site that specialises in downloading music specifically for your PSP.
6 options to consider in choosing the right music download sites for your PSP are listed below:
It is always wise before doing anything to research especially as far as music download sites are concerned.
Research has shown that most purchases are a result of an "impulse" decision. Many times these work out though often they don't. As the initial starting step, one should look first at the search engines. What you will notice initially if you search for free download sites are many "torrent" (P2P) sites offering free downloads. Avoid these for the reasons mentioned above!
What do I do now?
You're probably thinking, if paying per download is too expensive and freebie sites are too dangerous then what can I do? One, sensible option is to look at a category of site known as an unlimited download site. These sites will charge for a lifetime membership or a yearly membership - it's best to go for a lifetime membership as this should cost no more than $40. However, it is prudent to remember that not all sites are created equal and there are some very poor quality sites out there! Therefore, I will now go into more detail to help you select the right music download sites for you.
1. Variety is the spice of life
Range, if there's plenty of choice in the site then it is more likely to be good quality. There are quite a few PSP sites that will lean more heavily towards one style of music over another simply because most PSP sites cater for gamers not music lovers. However, there are quite a few sites out there that have as much choice in music as some of the iPod dedicated sites.
2. A large selection of music files must be available
This is important because the site can have an extensive range of styles but very little choice of music within the styles. As mentioned beforehand there are a number of PSP sites which claim to have a large selection of files but they don't. The best PSP music download sites will not only have current but older music as well.
3. The PSP site must come with free and extensive media downloading software
The good thing about these sites, is that most of them do provide adequate to excellent software. However, it does bear checking that the software the site provides is compatible with your PC and your PSP otherwise you're wasting your money.
4. High download speed is a must
Even if you have a high-speed DSL connection you can only download or upload as fast as the 'other modem' connection will permit you to. Your average download should take no more and 5 to 10 seconds for music but obviously downloading a video, or even a music video is going to take longer simply because of the file size - so please take file size into consideration.
5. Navigation must be easy
The benchmark for easy navigation would have to be iTunes or Napster. Luckily many of the sites have interfaces that are easily navigable. However, I have come across some sites that provide great music but are an absolute nightmare to navigate through to get the music. I can't be bothered with wasting time so why should you! A bad navigation area to me means a bad site-so if you find a site which you have difficulty searching for music then you're on the wrong site.
Ironically, the not so good sites can have very flashy membership areas so don't be fooled by appearance.
6. Technical assistance is extremely important
As with all things in life, not everything works according to plan. Even with a very good site there may still be files that are either corrupted or have broken links. Sometimes this is a technical issue sometimes not but it's always reassuring to know if there is a problem that there is a quick solution. The very best sites, have a 24-hour turnaround in support. You should accept nothing less however you also have to remember that if you are paying $40 then don't expect instant problem-solving.
Check out PSP-Downloads4u.com to get an independent review of the best PSP music and music video sites currently on the market. In addition you will find helpful and informative articles on other aspects of your PSP. Click Here to get access to unlimited music videos for download to your PSP!
Peter Burke MBA has been writing Journals and Articles for academic publications for over 7 years and is Managing Director of a Consulting Company in the United Kingdom.
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