Dell is teaming with MusicMatch on a music service that launches today. The Round Rock, Texas-based computer maker is also introducing a line of portable player devices, the Dell DJ, designed to compete with Apple's iPod.
The move marks the latest attempt to offer
consumers a complete digital music solution--a la Apple's iTunes Music Store--that includes jukebox software, a download store and a portable player. Roxio's Napster is pursuing a similar strategy in conjunction with Samsung.
Dell is offering a co-branded version of MusicMatch's jukebox software and a download store, Dell Jukebox, powered by MusicMatch. The deal expands upon an existing distribution agreement between the two companies.
The Dell DJ comes in two configurations: a 15GB model for $249 and a 20GB model for $329.
John Hamlin, senior VP/GM of Dell's U.S. consumer business, says the goal of the product is to offer a competitively priced hard-drive device while not cutting back on memory.