I'm all for progress and making the best use of available technology. But there are a few reasons I believe that online music delivery won't be the number way to acquire music any time soon. Let's look at the explosion of home VCRs and video rental in the 1980s. The movie industry and technology watchers predicted tough times for the movie theater business. Besides normal economic ebbs and flows, those tough times never came.
People still flock to movie theaters in droves.
There's something about going with friends or loved ones to see a movie on the big screen that can't be matched by sitting on a couch. The tangible sensations of going out to the theater make the difference. This is something I know at least a little about, since I've published a few e-books myself and have purchased and read some also. Indeed, e-books are quick and convenient since they can be delivered sometimes immediately after being purchased online. No waiting days for a paper book to arrive by mail.