HP dumps iTunes for Rhapsody

HP has switched its allegiance from Apple to RealNetworks

HP has announced that it will no longer bundle Apple's iTunes software with its PCs and laptops.

The PC and printer vendor used to sell iPods under its own brand and has bundled the iTunes software since 2004.

But HP stopped selling iPods last year and has now formed an alliance with RealNetworks to bundle its Rhapsody subscription music download service.

"HP is committed to bringing consumers the best PC entertainment experience, " said Bob Lund, a general manager at HP's Personal Systems Group.

"We selected Rhapsody because we want to give our customers a compelling choice for music management software and easy access to a leading subscription music experience on the web."

HP users will be able to listen to 25 tracks a month free of charge or buy them at 99 cents a track or $9.99 an album. For an additional $14.99 a month they can subscribe and transfer their music to portable media players.

Under the terms of the deal Rhaposdy will become the default music player on HP PCs and users can also download and share film content.