Am I dreaming? No way! iTunes Plus is and it’s great! Higher quality (256kbps AAC versus 128 mp3) downloadable tracks that are not copy protected at only $0.30 more per track… integrated with iTunes so they can easily integrate into my Apple branded digital life! Apple makes a big claim on sound quality by calling this level of compression virtually indistinguishable for CD. They made similar claims of audiophile quality with the Apple iPod Hi-Fi.

You’ll need to upgrade to iTunes 7.2. After your first trip to the iTunes music store and your first browse of iTunes plus, you are asked if an album is available in iTunes plus format would you like to see that higher-res DRM free version first. There seems to be a pretty small but decent initial selection available, and there’s an automatic “Upgrade My Library” option that looks up your past iTunes purchases and compares them to what’s available in high-res, letting you know the total cost to upgrade. Added bonus: Apple iTunes Plus downloads now work with Slim Devices um, devices (like the Squeezebox and Transporter now in for review).