Dell to ship music with new PCs

PC maker Dell announced a new service in which Dell PC or notebook owners can add 50 or 100-song music bundles to their PC purchase for $25 or $50.

Dell’s main partner will be the Universal Music Group, and gives owners the chance to listen to songs from AC/DC to Jay Z. 

Select music bundles offer a mix package of songs from different Universal artists.  For example, the "Rock Titans" bundle offers AC/DC, Meatloaf and ZZ Top songs.  The "Sweatbands and Leotards" music bundle includs music from Kool & the Gang, James Brown and others.

The major downside to this deal — and one that will likely hurt Dell — is that owners do not have the ability to pick what songs are included.  Several journalists and bloggers already are pessimistic about the new service, saying Dell’s sales numbers will not significantly increase any time soon.

Universal spokespeople promise to announce new music bundles in the next few weeks.

Record labels are fervently attempting to expand their revenue streams as the overall sales of CDs continue to slide.  Universal has transitioned away from CDs and offers its content through online digital stores, mobile phones, and directly to the PC.

The music will not have digital rights management (DRM), and can be played on any PC or MP3 player.

There have been rumors circulating that Dell has plans to create a new music player, but it will not be released before 2009.  Earlier rumors indicated the music player would be ready in time for the 2008 holiday shopping season, but Dell isn’t going to hastily release the MP3 player.

Dell hopes its renewed efforts in the music space will help the company improve its public image, which has suffered because of Apple and its strong brand image.