I spent several frustrating hours last week trying to get an MPIO FY200 digital music player to work. Although the package said it was Mac compatible, I eventually had to download and install new firmware and update the device to get it working. This was not a user-friendly experience.

If iTunes users are happy, part of the reason is Apple's control of "the whole widget" --- the iPod, the iTunes software and the iTunes Music Store.

Does this really matter? I think so. Read MSN Music: It's Really About Windows:

Analysts say much of Microsoft's own sales success depends on its hardware partners, however. The digital music space today is still largely driven by consumers with portable players such as the iPod, and Microsoft still lacks anything with that heft, they note.

"There is no Windows media device that is the equivalent of iPod, either in terms of technology or in role as cultural icon," Jupiter's Gartenberg said. "Without an iPod-like device there, in the short term (Microsoft's store) might not be as significant as people think.