Get the Beatles on apple USB

The Gadget Show  Wednesday 04 November 2009

Core blimey! The Beatles finally get a digital release

Fans of the Beatles can now get their mitts on their entire catalogue on a limited-edition apple-shaped USB drive from EMI and Apple.

The device contains all 14 Fab Four albums digitally remastered in both 24-bit, 44.1KHz lossless FLAC format, as well as more conventional 320Kbps MP3 files. Multimedia goodies include 13 mini-documentary films about the studio albums, replicated original UK album art, rare photos and expanded liner notes.

The 16GB drive is styled up to look like a green apple, with The Beatles branding on the front and the USB connector pulling out from the top.

The Beatles catalogue is notoriously difficult to attain in digital format – legally, anyway – with the record companies still holding off on an iTunes deal. Perhaps that explains the eye-watering pre-order price tag of £200. Or maybe it’s that just 30,000 of the gizmos are being released worldwide, and a paltry 100 for the Fab Four’s home country the UK.

So if you want one, you’d better get your skates on – the Beatles Stereo USB apple is available now from the Beatles store, with units being shipped on 7 December.