Dell Computers have announced a new partnership with Universal Music Group that they hope will drive new computer sales: For an extra $25 at checkout purchasers of Dells can have 50 DRM-free MP3s from UMG artists like Rod Stewart and Jay-Z put on their computer (or 100 songs for $50). The catch? You don’t get to choose which MP3s end up on you Dell. Dude, not awesome.
Sure, those MP3s are dirt cheap, but what happens if you end up with only Rod Stewart MP3s? My nana would like that, but she probably would be frightened if Jay-Z found his way onto her Dell.
I’m not sure who this partnership is stupider for (Dell for not allowing people to pick their music, or Universal for bedding down with Dell), so I’m going to call it a wash. [Silicon Alley Insider]
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