In Search Of…More Not-Free DRM-Free Music: Apple just hinted subtly that were any of its iTunes partners to hear anything, oh, you know, anything at all about other labels and artists that might be willing to go DRM less, well, they’d like to hear about it. In an email that reportedly went out yesterday, partners were told that the iTunes Store is looking to offering higher quality music - specifically, without copy protection voodoo on it to those and from those interested in the audio pleasure of unrestricted music ownership. For $1.29. And the paranoiac contingent wonders: Is this whole thing a ruse to get us to start paying more for music? Hmmm….

iPhone On Schedule? The short answer seems to be: yes. Despite it being widely reported that the original release date was going to be June 11 and was going to coincide with Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Apple is telling the world that it’s on track for a late June release. With the prices - $499 and $599 - holding firmly intact. Sigh.

You’re Only Cheating Yourself: Why’s no one get any credit for being a cheating genius? Kids (what’ll they think of next?) are apparently using their iPods to, er, augment their test taking, it’s been discovered. Whether they’re downloading formulas and hiding them in the lyrics text files or recording answers in audio, short-cut seekers are finding it ably done with their iPods. On a related note a teacher recently had his neck broken by two students who he had relieved of their iPods. We know many of you would rather fight than switch, but can’t we all just get along?

Standing By Their Man: Apple Board Members Bill Campbell, Millard Drexler, Albert Gore Jr., Arthur D. Levinson, Eric Schmidt and Jerry York released the following statement:

“We are not going to enter into a public debate with Fred Anderson or his lawyer. Steve Jobs cooperated fully with Apple’s independent investigation and with the government’s investigation of stock option grants at Apple. The SEC investigated the matter thoroughly and its complaint speaks for itself, in terms of what it says, what it does not say, who it charges, and who it does not charge. We have complete confidence in the conclusions of Apple’s independent investigation, and in Steve’s integrity and his ability to lead Apple.”

A Contest, A Contest: The folks at Insanely Great Tees want YOU to create a 30-second "I'm an iPhone" video ad with the winner winning..? An iPhone, natch (as well as a passel of other possible goodies). So? What are you waiting for?