Jay,

I use iTunes all the time. By default they deliver in an Apple (iPod)
compatible format. Don't know if they can modify to mp3. At first I though
$.99/song would be expensive, but then I realized I no longer buy "CDs",
just the songs I want. A great side benefit is that my 15 year old daughter
and I have found a great meeting place, comparing her music and mine. I
never believed I would come to like rap, but she has won me over on more
than a few songs. OTOH, I still can't get her to listen to John Coltrane...

Regarding burning CD's - you may migrate away from that as well. It is much
simpler to simply carry your MP3 player or iPod with you into the plane and
plug it in. If you don't have a plug for it a $25 dollar device from Radio
Shack will allow it to play through your FM radio, assuming your plane has
one.

There are plenty of free sites, some of which are actually legal, if the
band allows free distribution. Grateful Dead are probably the most well
known in this arena. Many of the free sites are, in addition to being
illegal (Kazaa and it's clones) loaded with software that generates spyware.
Active use requires some sophistication to avoid becoming a spam magnet.

All in all, iTunes is a great deal. Large music library, well written
interface (as expected from Apple) and no concerns about breaking the law.

Michael