Finding the best resource to get your music downloads the easy way is not always easy. If you're like me you want to download music without the hassles or the expense of some of the sites out there.

How do we go about downloading music the easy way....

I've dumped more than a few dollars for songs for my iPod. Then last year I bought a Zune media player and we both know help well Apple and Microsoft get along. So I was stuck with the thought I'd have to buy all those songs again. ( A side note...I bought the 80GB Zune player and absolutely love it).

Here were some of my choices...iTunes, Napster, Zune Marketplace, Amazon or eMusic. With an average cost between $0.99 to $2.49 for each song the thought of replacing all my music sucked. I love my music, did you know the average MP3 owner downloads 300 songs and 20 videos a year, I download a lot more. If you download just half that you'll spend $250 to $300.

MP3 Converter

I let tell you about iPod's dirty little secret. If you ask good ole Apple they will tell you that you can't play iTunes on any other MP3 player. Not to be out done Microsoft says you can't play iTunes on their Zune media player. That's a load of BS, with the proper conversion software you can make them all compatible. ( at the end of this article I'll tell you where you can find that software).

Music Downloads

Everyone is looking for free music downloads and yes you can find them. What you'll also find is adware, spyware and even viruses on most of those sites touting free music. I found a site (ZuneEmpire.net) that has some very good info on different download sites. The one I chose cost me $35 or $40 bucks and had all the conversion software I need to put all my music on either my iPod or Zune (also works on the PSP).

My advice on music download sites ....

**Use a well known site
**Don't pay more than $50 (for a lifetime membership)
**Make sure it has all the conversion software
**Look for one with tutorials