Canadians get iTunes on the cheap

Although Canadians had to wait awhile to get access to the iTunes Music Store, they are getting a comparative bargain.

Apple Computer, which opened the virtual doors on the Canadian store late Wednesday, is selling songs for 99 Canadian cents, which translates to about 83 U.S. cents, 16 percent less than those in the United States pay for their iTunes.

It's an even bigger bargain when compared with Apple's European store, where most tracks cost 99 euro cents, which these days translates to $1.31 U.S. and a whopping $1.56 Canadian. Those in Britain pay even more, 79 pence ($1.52, or $1.81 Canadian).

"It's all relatively close," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of applications. Cue added that the pricing environments are different in various countries, as are the taxes and the amount Apple must pay for the music. "The costs do vary by region for Apple."

Americans looking for a bargain will have to do more than just profess their love of hockey or their distaste for President Bush. Because the Canadian store requires a local billing address, Americans will have to get a home in Saskatoon or Thunder Bay to get in on the lower pricing.

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