1. Introduction

The digital audio market is big business, as Apple proved with the astounding success of its popular iPod player. Real money, however, is also to be found in online music sales, as shown by Apple's selling of over 30 million songs via its iTunes Music Store. Dell appears to want a piece of that audio pie with the unveiling of its new Dell Digital Jukebox. While this is not a comparative review, the similarities are difficult to overlook. In fact, Dell itself has a comparative rundown of its 15 GB and 20 GB Digital Jukeboxes alongside the iPod on its own site, including size, weight, price and capacity (even a picture). Dell has also partnered with Musicmatch to offer an interface between the computer and audio player and access to music downloads for 99 cents each and most albums for $9.99. Sound familiar?

The complete contents of Dell Digital Jukebox package: player, USB cable, remote, user and quick start guides, installation software, leather hip case, headphones and charger cable. It takes six hours to charge the device completely before use.

Dell Digital Jukebox Specs

The Dell "DJ" reviewed here is of the 20 GB variety although a 15 GB, less expensive version is also available. Once again, though I'm not reviewing the iPod, Dell seems intent on comparisons, so here are the specs for the Dell DJ versus the 20 GB iPod from Dell's website:

List prices vary, so that part of Dell's comparison isn't included (for example, at the time this article was written, Dell offered a special discount). Typically, the 15 GB DJ is priced at $249, the 20 GB DJ is priced at $299 and the iPod is priced at $299, $399 and $499 for the 15 GB, 20 GB and 40 GB versions, respectively (real capacity, of course depends on the file size of the songs downloaded, which varies).