The recently remastered Beatles catalogue is about to be issued in the form of a USB stick. Interestingly, this first non-CD digital release will include FLAC files at 24 bits (a big improvement over 16-bit CDs) and 44.1 khz (same as CD). MP3 files at 320 kbps will also be included on the 16GB apple-shaped USB stick.

Look for it on December 7 if you live in the U.K. or December 8 if you live in the U.S. The USB release will be limited to 30,000 units. It will include the albums, 13 mini-documentaries, U.K. cover art, rare photos, and expanded liner notes. The stick will be compatible with PC or Mac, with a Flash interface, and the price will be $279.

The reissues are already available on CD and will soon be out on LP as well. We're guessing the LPs will not be all-analog mastering jobs.

Legit Fab Four downloads, though often rumored, are still on hold. But on a comical note, a website called BlueBeat has been selling them illegally. Hauled into court, their novel defense is: We own the copyrights! (They do not.)

Pre-order via Beatles Stores in the U.S., U.K., or Japan.