Starbucks is partnering with Hewlett-Packard to launch an in-store service that will allow customers to download music and burn discs in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee. With major labels already signed on, more than 250,000 songs -- with a selection ranging from Britney Spears to Ray Charles -- will be available for purchase.

Over the next couple years, Hewlett-Packard will furnish some 2,500 stores with computers, CD burners and printers for album art. The minimum purchase will be five songs for $6.99, while complete albums will sell for $12.95.

The first such store will open in Santa Monica, California, on March 16th. After a press conference, Rufus Wainwright and Sarah Harmer will perform outside on the Third Street Promenade.

Starbucks declined requests for comment on the new service.

COLIN DEVENISH
(March 12, 2004)