Easily compare MP3 prices

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Apple recently started charging different prices for songs in its iTunes music store, making this a good time to make sure you are getting the best deals on MP3 downloads. By downloading a free program called “Advantageous mp3,” you can quickly see if the song you want to buy from iTunes is available for less from Amazon. The Windows version does not currently work with the latest version of iTunes, but the developer of Advantageous said he is working on fixing that.

1. If you are using a PC, go to advantageousmp3.com.

2. If you are using a Mac, go to advantageousmp3.com/mac. You must have the Leopard operating system (10.5) to use Advantageous mp3 on a Mac.

3. Download and install the program.

4. On a PC, open up the program. You should now see a blue cross in your task bar. When you find a song you like in iTunes, click on it and then double-click on the blue cross. You should be taken to a Web page where you can download the song from Amazon, so you can compare the price with iTunes.

5. On a Mac, when you see a song you want to buy in iTunes, click on it and choose “Get MP3 from Amazon” from the iTunes script menu (it’s the one next to the Help menu with the icon that looks like a scroll). You may see a message telling you that you need to “Enable access for assistive devices.” If so, follow the instructions to do so and then choose “Get MP3 from Amazon” again. You should now be taken a Web page where you can download the same song from Amazon, so you can compare the price with iTunes

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(Etan Horowitz is the technology columnist for the Orlando Sentinel. He can be reached at ehorowitz AT orlandosentinel.com.)