Eric J. Gruber

Last week, Apple released its iTunes 7 application, and with it an updated version of the iTunes Music Store.

Apple changed the name of the store to the iTunes Store, and for good reason: the store now does music, music videos, TV shows and finally, movies.

Of course, I had to check it out. So I downloaded the new version of iTunes, went to the iTunes Store, picked my selection (Good Will Hunting) and purchased it for $9.99.

It started downloading but was taking a really long time because I was on the wireless connection. That was dumb on my part, because I know that wireless speed are way slower than a direct connection to the cable modem. I plugged in the computer to the cable modem via an ethernet connection and it downloaded in 35 minutes. Not bad for a 1.2 GB movie.

Then, I took my laptop downstairs, hooked it up to the TV with a little cable I have, and we watched the movie on the set with no problems. It was awesome. With Amazon.com for shopping, online banking and e-mail, I only have to leave the house for groceries. I hope we have that resolved by the time World War III arrives.

There are a few drawbacks:

• At this time, only Disney owned movies are available because other studios aren’t on board - yet. Disney said yesterday it sold 125,000 movies in the first week, so hopefully other studios will be along shortly.
• You absolutely need a high-speed connection for this. It would literally take days with a dial-up connection. Also, as mentioned before, don’t try this with a wireless connection. Plug directly into your cable modem or router.
• Some users have reported issues with the new version of iTunes. I haven’t had any problems, but you might not be as lucky. As with all new technology, you proceed with the knowledge that all the bugs might not be worked out yet.

• Supposedly you can’t burn these movies to a DVD. I don’t care really, because I hate disc media of all forms. But, if that’s a big deal to you, look into it and see if that’s true.

I don’t expect this to replace DVD sales or going to the theater just yet, but with a baby on the way, I’m excited about this new development. Apple will be selling new releases the same day they come out on DVD, so that’s awesome if we want to treat ourselves but can’t get out of the house for a little while.

Apple has a winner with this one.