• Portable players
  You can transfer and play music on most WMA-compatible players. The only caveat: You must use Windows Media Player 9 Series to transfer tracks between player and computer, unless you use the Samsung Napster Player (YP-910), which is fully supported by Napster. This product, set for release Oct. 19, sounds like an attempt by Roxio to re-create the iPod/iTunes relationship. It will be sold exclusively through Best Buy stores.
  
  
• Burning songs
  The built-in burning software is from Roxio, of course. Download the Napster Label Creator for free. Not all burning software is supported.
  
  
• All-inclusive?
  Roxio CEO Chris Gorog said in a statement, "Napster 2.0 is unequivocally the most complete and comprehensive music service in the world." But you won't be able to use Napster 2.0 to rip CDs.
  
  
• Building bridges
  Early adopters using living room media center PCs will enjoy the fruits of Napster 2.0. It's already specially configured for the new Microsoft XP Media Center 2004 and will also come loaded on Gateway media center devices and Gateway PCs.

Summary: Napster 2.0's official launch on Oct. 29 will further broaden the digital-audio field for the PC audience. The combination of a music store, extra premium features, a sweet interface, community features, and its recognizable name should spell success for a grown-up Napster.

Gene Munster, senior research analyst with US Bancorp Piper Jaffray, thinks so too.

"If you look at the brand, the Napster brand dwarfs all others," Munster said. "So I think this is a situation where the dark horse is going to actually win."

"Tech Live" producer Lindsay Martell contributed to this story.