All Music and video

The Bottom Line: Open usage policy, a low per-download price point, and intelligent editorial content make eMusic a boon for fans of independent labels.

The Bottom Line: RealPlayer 10.5's coolest new feature is its embedded Music Store's compatibility with virtually all MP3 players--including the iPod.

The Bottom Line: Audible.com ranks among the Web's best services. If you like your reading material in digital format, subscribe ASAP.

The Bottom Line: You can play tracks purchased from Connect on multiple Sony devices, but the service can't match iTunes Music Store's catalog, ease of use, features, or compatibility.

The Bottom Line: This Windows-friendly iTunes imitator can't match the simplicity of the original.

The Bottom Line: Wal-Mart's Music Downloads is the cheapest place for Windows users to purchase tunes online; just be prepared to find mostly mainstream music.

The Bottom Line: Despite some stability problems, Pinnacle Studio 9.0 is a remarkably powerful video editor and authoring app for both home and professional use.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 800 MHz, 9, CD-ROM, Sound card, Graphics card, 800 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Pinnacle's Instant CD/DVD 8.0 offers an improved interface and some useful new tools, but this burning suite still falls a bit short of its peers.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 500 MHz, 8.0, CD-ROM, 500 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: Most video enthusiasts won't miss what Apple omitted from this pared-down, affordable incarnation of Final Cut Pro.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.2, 40 MB, PowerPC G3 300 MHz, 256 MB, CD-ROM, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, PowerPC G3, 300 MHz, MacOS