A story in today’s LA Times (free registration required) reports that Apple is planning to offer an online music service for Mac users, and only Mac users, that several record labels approve of. “The new service was developed by Apple Computer Inc., sources said Monday, and offers users of Macintoshes and iPod portable music players many of the same capabilities that already are available from services previously endorsed by the labels. But the Apple offering won over music executives because it makes buying and downloading music as simple and non-technical as buying a book from Amazon.com,” notes the article. An individual familiar with the negotiations is also quoted as saying “This is exactly what the music industry has been waiting for. It’s hip. It’s quick. It’s easy.”