Real Networks rhapsody subscription music service got a boost from the 840 store Best Buy retail chain.

Best Buy is countering Apple's iTunes and iPod by teaming with Real and SanDisk for its new Sansa digital music players. Best Buy is launching the program with a free two-month subscription with unlimited music access plus up to 30 hours of preloaded music. SanDisk is a distant number two to Apple in portable music player sales.

The Real-SanDisk combination comes up against not just Apple, but also Microsoft's Zune offering, as well as other dual player-online store offering from mobile phone makers.