iTunes vs Mac App for all computers use...how?

First, Merry Christmas everyone!

Okay, so I have 4 computers linked to my Apple ID and numerous iPhones and iPods.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I purchase a song, and successfully download it, using my computer...the only way to get it to the other computers is by transferring it via my iPhone or iPods.

It seems as if I've downloaded something once from Apple, then they don't let me download it again onto a registered machine using the same Apple ID. Therefore, I transfer music/app content using my devices...isn't this what everyone does?

Now, Mac app store is coming! How the heck am I going to download content onto one computer and then transfer it to another computer (Apple says the 1 time purchase will be good for all your computers). Do you think Apple will allow multiple downloads of the same software to any computer associated with you Apple ID?

IF THIS IS THE CASE: WHY NOT ALLOW US TO DO THE SAME THING WITH OUR ITUNES PURCHASES?????

Anyone care to chime in and letting me know if I'm off base, or have any suggestions, etc.?

Cosmo

 

So do all the computers have to have Home Sharing turned on? So if my wife downloads a song on her computer, how can I distinguish between all of her music and any songs recently purchased? Looks like the Automatic transfer option as outlined above is the best solution. Does this work for all computers, or can u only have 1 computer designated as the transfer from computer?

In terms of the Mac App store, do you all think a similar process will be required?

Thanks,

Cosmo

 

Yes, you're right. I should've framed my point of view differently. I meant sharing content using the Apple environment without freaky work-arounds!

I'm pleasantly surprised to hear about this Home Sharing feature. I thought this was only for streaming content from one computer to another computer. I DID NOT know you could use this for actually transferring content from one to other.

For the past year, I've instructed my family members to purchase content using their iDevices and then transfer to each computer. The reason I did this, was because I could do it without issue. However, if I bought an app like "Angry Birds" on my computer and downloaded it into my library, I could not figure out a way to re-download the same app on my other authorized computers. Home sharing seems to be the ticket.

I should be good to go now on this issue.

Now the question I have is how will Apple manage the Mac App store in the same regard? Will the Mac App store have a similar feature (home sharing)? Will it even be a part of iTunes? If separate, will additional downloads be allowed...thoughts?

Thanks again for all the info concerning Home Sharing.

Cosmo