Dell delivers Universal Music on newly purchased PCs

by Stevie Smith - Oct 24 2008, 18:16

New computer systems bundled with pre-loaded content just got a touch more melodic after hardware giant Dell this week revealed a partnership with music titan Universal Music Group (UMG) that will see buyers graced with a convenient way to “jump start” their digital music libraries.

Reaching some way beyond the dull and arbitrary music samples usually found on new computers, select Dell systems are to be kitted out with a variety of optional pre-loaded Universal MP3 packs, which customers can choose from at time of purchase.

Looking to introduce “highly personalized music collections right out of the box,” the offer arrives as an industry first and will see Dell and UMG supplying specific song bundles consisting of either 50 or 100 tracks and starting at $25 USD each, which, according to Dell, equates to around half the current standard per-track pricing.

While clearly undercutting mainstream prices, the MP3 bundles will also be free of contentious Digital Rights Management (DRM) copy protection and will be playable through any software application and on any hardware player.

“Pre-installed music bundles are immediately accessible once the PC is turned on, neatly organized under the “Music” icons on the Dell Dock,” explained Dell before going on to say that, “no CDs or downloads [are] required.”

Some of the artists that will be available on pre-loaded packs include Jay-Z and Rod Stewart, while set genre selections such as ‘Rock Titans’ will feature AC/DC, Meatloaf and ZZ Top, and ‘Sweatbands and Leotards’ will feature James Brown and Kool & the Gang.

Rather than existing as a static offer, Dell and UMG have said they plan to expand the selection and will refresh offerings in the coming weeks.

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