• Easy CD-DA Extractor — Keep it simple is my motto. This CD ripper does just that. And beautifully I might add. PLUS: FREE UPGRADES FOR LIFE!!! I’ve been enjoying this program and updates for at least eight years now. :)
  • Amazon MP3 Downloads — Comparative pricing to iTunes, but not in a DRM infested format. You can take the files anywhere (iPod, Zune, anything that plays MP3s) without any headaches. I was buying CDs instead of buying from Apple, because I hated not being able to use the file on my computer without running iTunes, now I can — without having to rip the files myself!
  • Microsoft’s Zune — I have an iPod. I use Windows. They don’t play nice together. I have however goofed around with a Zune… and I’d have to say that even the interface is far superior. Apple came up with a design years ago, and is not evolving it. Microsoft on the other hand has developed a very modern system, and I hope they continue to push it’s modernity!
  • Google Docs — Use it. You’ll love it. The collaborative system is worth the switch [from office] alone.