Zune music downloads can be found at the marketplace for 79 Microsoft points per song. Is that considered cheap? A quick survey and observation of many music lovers seem to suggest that they are finding other alternatives more attractive. Just what are they and how can you get the zune music downloads at rock bottom prices?

We will look at 3 simple alternatives you have when it comes to getting music for Zune at lower costs. Here they are:

1. Ripping Songs from Compact Discs

Before you start frowning at the simplicity of this method, did you know that you can actually build a huge collection from this? You can rip songs from your CD library and pack your Zune with these songs. All PCs should come with Windows Media Player for you to pick and drop those music onto your player.

For the older songs such as those in the 60s, 70s or 80s, you can make a trip to the bargain sections of music stores to hunt for CDs on sales. You can probably find many at less than $5 a piece. For a 10-soundtrack CD at $5, each song only costs $0.50.

Of course, if you are looking for new releases in the season, the only way you can do is to ask a friend in school or even a neighbor if you could rip the music from their latest buys.

Ripping songs is an age old method. While effective, it can take considerable amount of time. But think about it.

2. Download from Free Services

There are online sites which you can go for free zune music downloads. These are usually sites that feature songs that have not been released into the market or music written and produced by underground band groups or newbie singers. At times, you may even find some mainstream music from record labels there. However, the databases are often very small.

Opening a trial account at some pay per download music stores can net you some zune music downloads for free as well. The number of free downloads they offer varies. If you manage to sign up with 10 or more of them, you can easily compile one mini song library.

3. Membership-based Services

The larger music stores like Amazon, Walmart, HMV and others do hold sales at times offering cheaper zune music downloads. Do check them out often. Other than these, many paid membership download services have mushroomed all over the net. These sites offer a lifetime membership fee for endless supply of music for your Zune. You can enjoy all your songs and music at any time of the day and it does not matter where you are as long as you have an internet connection.

Usually, a membership at these services would set you back by less than $50 to 60. As mentioned, with the membership, you get to unlimited zune music downloads. On top of that, you also can watch movies, music videos, TV shows and all from one place. There is no limit on your bandwidth usage, something worth considering. If you feel bored or find it hard to sleep at night, you can download a song even in the wee hours.

Of the 3 options available, it is pretty obvious that using a membership service seems to be the most cost effective and time saving option. Find out from my Zune blog which are the current top 3 services for unlimited zune music downloads.

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Discover where you can get unlimited Zune downloads for your Zune player instantly. Also, read another article on finding cheap unlimited Zune downloads. PC Satellite TV.

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