818 CNN is reporting that Napster is planning to give users a free music player when they sign up for a year-long subscription to the music service.

On its Web site, Napster said it would give consumers a Rio Chiba Sport portable music device, valued at about $130, if they sign up for the subscription, which is valued at $119.40.

The device features 128 megabytes of storage capacity and includes a stopwatch, sports headphones and an armband.

Users can also upgrade to a another player for an "extreme discount" according to Napster's page.

This is the opposite of Apple's strategy, of course, where the company makes little or no money on the music downloads, but uses it to fuel sales of the iPod digital music player. Also, note that this is based only on the subscription model, which means that if after a year you decide you don't like the Napster service, you lose your ability to play the music.

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.

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