ACU dishing out iPhone / iPod touch to all incoming freshmen

Never heard of Abilene Christian University? We're guessing a wide majority of the general public hasn't either, but the institution is definitely getting its name out there by promising each incoming freshman this fall an iPhone or iPod touch. Granted, these aren't being explicitly marked as "free," but similar to Duke's efforts in years past, ACU plans on using these devices for educational enrichment. Reportedly, the handhelds will enable students to "receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their professors' offices, and check their meal and account balances" -- and that's just for starters. Interestingly, we aren't told whether or not the folks already enrolled will be left out -- nor what determines which Apple you get -- but we do know that the entity is hoping to "expand the program in the future."

[Thanks, Byzil]

[Prokanda @ Feb 26th 2008 12:00PM]

ahhh.. bible-thumpers and dumbed-down apple products. match made in heaven? (pun intended)

yeah, in my highschool they had apple products in the library (because every student in the school had to use them.. even the idiots, for assignments) and in the 3d art labs.

the real classes had dells and gateways.

thank jebus for public schools/real colleges. let an educational institution try to push and apple product on me... AND make me pay for it.

[Zak @ Feb 26th 2008 12:26PM]

Yes, because all products should be free. That's how our economy should work, right? Everything should be free? As far as your hatred of Apple products, I suggest you grow a pair and get over it. You have to be one hell of a sissy boy to actually hate a computer platform, despite the fact that a computer platform is inanimate and can't actually do anything to offend you.

And I'm sure you're right about the iPhone, I mean obviously nobody would want something like that, including the millions and millions of people who already bought one. That's probably just a fluke.

[Matt @ Feb 26th 2008 12:32PM]

@Zak

1. He never suggested (anywhere) that products should be free.

2. He never said no one would want an iPod or iPhone.

3. He doesn't like OSX, he's allowed to feel that way. Neither do I. Some people hate Windows. Its a matter of preference, just like I am allowed to not like hot dogs if I don't want to.

[jake61341 @ Feb 26th 2008 12:37PM]

I don't know what "real college" you went to, but I have yet to see a college that doesn't have at least a few macs... Unless you went to Microsoft College.

[Prokanda @ Feb 26th 2008 12:40PM]

just like I feel about religion... don't hate the product, hate the crazy followers. this case just happens to be BOTH of the things I feel that way about. religious people and apple lovers.

I said that I wouldn't want something apple pushed on me... ESPECIALLY if I was being asked to pay for it. that's like making a honda-lover drive a ford... then asking him to pay for it.

also, I own an ipod, and when the time is right, I will own a mac mini. I like the idea of having both platforms on one desk. I have two monitors so I can put the mini on my right panel's analog input.

as I stated previously, I'm not an apple hater.. just tired of their fans. you just proved my point.

[roach @ Feb 26th 2008 12:41PM]

Well Apple products are used by a lot of sissys. Maybe this Christian school is trying to catch sinning sissys by using Apple products so they can repent them.

[fanman @ Feb 26th 2008 12:50PM]

"I said that I wouldn't want something apple pushed on me... ESPECIALLY if I was being asked to pay for it."

In that case, the British education has a lot to answer for for forcing XP upon my poor misguided childhood self.

"that's like making a honda-lover drive a ford... then asking him to pay for it."

So your a Microsoft lover? Who'd have thought?

- fanman, a happy windows user.

[jake61341 @ Feb 26th 2008 12:51PM]

Well thanks for bunching us up as "crazy followers."

What do you crazily follow? It looks like ear spacers and some metal band?

[Kelsey @ Feb 26th 2008 12:57PM]

@Prokanda

I see you've drawn a distinction between religious people and Apple lovers. In my experience (and yours it sounds like), the distinction is nebulous at best.

[clak @ Feb 26th 2008 1:10PM]

Okay, you hate Apple fanboys. Fine. But it seems to me that ninety percent of the people complaining about the OTHER platform are PC users. I think this perception that most Apple users are foaming-at-the-mouth crazy is a bit exaggerated. I think you probably saw one too many Get-A-Mac commercials right after dropping a load of cash on a new PC that you worked all summer to save money for, only to be told by the Mac guy that you could have gotten something better.

As a result, you see fanboys everywhere. Every article about Apple on Engadget becomes a personal attack. I bought a Mac (for Final Cut Pro) five years ago after ten years in Windows and before that time, I can remember meeting exactly one person who I would consider an Apple lover. I only became aware of this phenomenon called fanboyism because every time I do a search related to Apple, there's a vocal group of PC people calling Mac users gay, elitist, and stupid.

So, please, stop with the constant bashing. You Anti-Apple fanatics are just as annoying as this invisible horde you call Apple fanboys.

[Zak @ Feb 26th 2008 12:58PM]

Matt - Did you even read what he said? Look at the last part, he's clearly complaining about being made to pay for an Apple product that's being "pushed on him". Does he think it should be free?

Prokanda, you are obviously still unclear about how things work in the real world. If the school requires that you have an iPhone then yes you are going to pay for it. Do you think it should be free? Really? The iPhone is obviously the method by which that school has chosen to keep in touch with its students, and whether you agree with that part or not is irrelevant. The point is that you're whining about having to pay for it. Don't be an idiot.

"The real classes had dells and gateways." Do I even have to point out the stupidity inherent in that comment? Or can you figure it out on your own? Seriously, grow up. In the real world, sometimes you have to do things you don't like, depending on the circumstances. GET OVER IT.

[MikeLong @ Feb 26th 2008 1:00PM]

@ jake61341

Lol. I was definitely just about to make a "good thing you don't follow any trends like gauged ears or lip rings" comment.

By the way Prok...thanks for showing us all how cool u are with your badass profile picture.

[roach @ Feb 26th 2008 1:14PM]

whoa whoa whoa roach!! give me back my good name!

[Prokanda @ Feb 26th 2008 3:48PM]

I don't "follow" anything crazily... thanks.

unlike most apple users that are forced into whatever jobs wants.. I like to make my own decisions.

and I don't listen to metal.. don't know what "spacers" are. sounds like what you're huffing... or is that cocaine? yep. must be.

apples are for people that want to be told what's hip and what they're allowed to do/customize.

I don't mind them as an additional machine.. but it should never be the main rig.

you guys want to make fun of my picture.... but I see all of you with random icons from other crap that you consider important... or no icon at all. I chose an icon that is a profile of my face... I think that I should be represented by a picture of myself if I plan on making comments that I stand behind.

can't say the same for you zealots.

[Prokanda @ Feb 26th 2008 3:53PM]

and no, clak... unlike you guys, a TON of us actually like to BUILD our machines. I know that you might not understand this... seeing as how Apples can only be bought from the company that makes the OS as well (yet MS is called a monopoly.. ha.)

I actually rebuilt my PC last month.. first time in 2 years.. and it cost right around 600 bucks.

that's less than a mac mini... not including the tax on said apple.

so don't go assuming that because you think you're getting better hardware for the money (when you're actually getting less hardware with more problems for MORE money...) that we're all doing that. 4 of the 5 desktop machines in this house were built by me. none of them costing over 1k. including monitors.... we like dell. 3 year warranty, better contrast, better refresh rate, better price than any apple crap display.

so take your foot out of your mouth and just learn when not to open it.

[roach @ Feb 26th 2008 4:04PM]

Hey Roach

Sorry dude, but I been using Roach on online game for over 10 years. It came from the name Rocha. You're the impostor. Why don't you call yourself Roach's Bitch instead.

Nothing against sissys, in fact I have friends who are sissys. But I do notice a lot of them have and prefer Apple and I make reference about that to them and they do agree.

Roach

[Alex J 33 @ Feb 27th 2008 2:01AM]

Prokanda: Although I've never been to this particular school, I hope you don't think that the school is not "real" because it's Christian.

I guarantee that a semester of Hebrew composition will have you wishing for one of those "real" schools "real fast." Care to try it?

[roach @ Feb 28th 2008 6:48PM]

Well (gay)roach, since you went and took the joke to something serious....

ACTUALLLLLY, I have gone by roach ever since I was a freshmen in highschool... which was 12 years ago... therefore, you are still the fake roach.

[Jay Park @ Mar 2nd 2008 4:49PM]

Uhm, here are my sentiments

eww apple products you buy
yay apple products for free!

Much rather build my products with better hardware at much lower cost (

[Jay Park @ Mar 2nd 2008 4:51PM]

err Didn't post right.
I'd rather build a superior system for lower the cost, courtesy of newegg.
But you've got to be STUPID to QQ over getting things for free (sort of..).

[BigBloke @ Feb 26th 2008 12:00PM]

...and somewhere in between they might actually have time to study.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 26th 2008 12:09PM]

As hard as it is for educators to deal with ever-"dumbening" American students coupled with the advent of text messaging and annoying ringtones in classroom environments, you'd think a school would be smart enough NOT TO HAND OUT CELLPHONES to freshmen.

[Michael @ Feb 26th 2008 12:36PM]

pfffft, studying in college...you've obviously never been

[sully @ Feb 26th 2008 12:01PM]

I know celanese corp was using a similar strategy to get people to interview. They gave away 30+ from my school alone to people they flew down to Texas for an interview. Makes me really anxious to get into the full time job market for all the free trips.

[brad @ Feb 26th 2008 12:02PM]

while nice, the students are paying for the phone/touch in their tuition, id much rather spend my $400 on the books required for class than a device which is basicallly not required/not used in the real world for any purpose other than pleasure...


does this mean all business students should get a blackberry too? Seriously, college is about learning about your perspective major, this $400.00 is not a give-a-way but merely a media whore of an idea and it worked no less....lets focus on education shall we?

[Wayne @ Feb 26th 2008 12:35PM]

Don't forget the two year contract and data plan.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 26th 2008 12:03PM]

#1 this school sounds like a DEGREE MILL.

#2 If you've got to offer someone a cellphone to get them to sign up for your school, then your school sucks.

#3 If everyone is walking around with an iPhone, then there's no exclusivity which makes it LESS VALUABLE.

#4 Since the iPhone's battery isn't user replaceable - I forsee a cellphone-less week or two while the phones are in the mail getting the batteries changed.

[Mredraider @ Feb 26th 2008 12:12PM]

This school is not a degree mill by any means. I grew up near it, and couldn't afford to go to it (i.e. Private University).

Most of the students who go will already have something like this (see above comment about. private university) because most of them are loaded or on huge scholarships... so yes, it's probably a PR stunt / deal to get cheap equipment on campus. "We'll get all our students iPhones if you discount MacBook Pros to $xxx number of dollars."

Hell, I'd even carry a iPhone if I got a super deal on a MacBook Pro... also the only way I would by a macbook :)

[Scott G. @ Feb 26th 2008 12:23PM]

I know this school and wouldn't go there on a full scholarship with a new iPhone every year... Not a fan of curfews and mandated worship.

And don't be a fool and think everyone that goes to a private school is "loaded or on huge scholarships" Many get the help of grants, student loans and have two jobs during school.

[Julie @ Feb 26th 2008 12:36PM]

Not everyone who goes to private school is loaded or the beneficiary of plum scholarships, but many of the people at *this* private school are - I'm an alum (and a scholarhip recipient - I went for the journalism program and the free ride). I'm guessing a lot of the incoming freshmen already have iPhones.

[Josh @ Feb 27th 2008 11:54AM]

@ Flashpoint:

#1 - Yeah, calling ACU a degree mill is certainly unfair. I mean, I went to one of the other schools in the area, so I'm not a huge fan in general, but they have a very high reputation for academics.

#2 - I have some friends who go to / work at ACU, and according to them, this is not intended to be a marketing ploy to reel in new students (they're busting at the seams as it is). It's an attempt to empower students with a tool, just like when colleges began giving out laptops a few years ago. It may flop, but ACU's a pretty good testing ground for Apple - small, yet reputable -so I'm sure ACU's getting the hook-up. Can't blame them for giving it a shot even if you think it won't work.

#3 - True. It won't be the "in" thing to have on campus since everybody will have one, but since this isn't a marketing ploy, that hardly matters.

#4 - I SOOO hope that happens! Evil snicker... That would be hillarious!

[Jonathan Keim @ Feb 26th 2008 12:05PM]

"Mama, I've decided to go to Christian College after all"

[Mr. Fusion @ Mar 19th 2008 12:34AM]

"There is a god."

[Reid @ Feb 26th 2008 12:06PM]

Educational tool, or publicity stunt?

Since there's no SDK out yet, I'm leaning towards publicity stunt.

But then, they could do something like Stanford does with lectures on their own version of iTunes...

[Robert @ Feb 26th 2008 12:21PM]

Maybe they are handing our iPods/iPhones that have been jailbroken. That would be a real publicity stunt.

[IndiaTech @ Feb 26th 2008 2:20PM]

It is being dished out to all incoming freshmen, not just engineering students. WTF will a Arts major or a Pol. Sci student require the SDK?

[Reid @ Feb 26th 2008 4:53PM]

For them to provide some custom educational apps for their students. Otherwise they're just giving all of their students a "free" smartphone.

[Josh @ Feb 27th 2008 11:54AM]

They actually already do the iTunes U thing. This is just the next step.

[Josh @ Feb 27th 2008 11:59AM]

http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/acu.edu.1453813023.01453813030.1454474088?i=1739459875

[IndiaTech @ Feb 27th 2008 3:03PM]

They already have web apps. For education purposes web based apps are preferred rather than stand alone apps installed on phones / notebooks.
For EG: Prof hosts a online quiz, requires online submittal of homeworks and hosts BBS. I would prefer having a smart phone, iphone or otherwise, so that I can do all these tasks from anywhere.

[Alex Padilla @ Feb 26th 2008 12:07PM]

My high school lent each student a [shitty Gateway] laptop (with restrictions and etc that we always found a way around), and I'll tell you, I would not be nearly as computer or Internet savvy as I am if they hadn't.

However, iPhones and iPod touches aren't laptops. It seems to me that the school is looking for a bit of publicity and is willing to fork over A LOT of money to get it.

Pft, an iPhone can't take me away from UCF.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 26th 2008 1:06PM]

I see nothing wrong with students being lent laptops but, cellphones? That's ridiculous. And even if you couuld come up with reasons a school should lend cellphones, why would it be one as ridiculously overhyped as an iPhone? Most you'd get from me is a Razr V3.

[Zak @ Feb 26th 2008 1:32PM]

Flashpoint - Um... probably because the iPhone is more than just a cell phone? It's the only device in its class that has a real web browser, not some hack "mobile" version, it has a real email client, everything can be either emailed, SMSed or posted on web sites that all the students can get to. Does none of that make sense to you? And why is the iPhone overhyped, when it can clearly do everything Apple says it can do? I'm not sure you know what "overhyped" actually means.

[insertAlias @ Feb 26th 2008 1:51PM]

@Zak
Overhyped doesn't only mean by the company that promotes it. Overhyped can also mean that everyone on the internet said it was going to be the best thing ever and it wasn't. I know, I own one. As for having an email client, so does every other smartphone. WinMo has a better email client, because it fully supports Exchange (OTA calendar/contact syncing, instant email). The iPhone treats it as an IMAP account (update on a set time, no OTA calendar sync). As for mobile browsers on the phone...while I do find it one of the best mobile browsing experiences ever, its not the only one out there that gives you the full internet on a mobile device:
http://www.operamini.com/
http://www.skyfire.com/
I like my iPhone, but I don't try to make it out to be more than it is.

[Jesse S @ Feb 26th 2008 2:24PM]

@Zak: I've used iTouches and iPhones extensivly, and mobile safari is far from great. I personally prefer Picsel browser, but the multi-touch zooming is nice (on the Apple stuff).

You're right, these aren't just cellphones. They also play music and movies (badly).

And a real email client? lol http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9053107 http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/06/22/iPhone-the-device-IT-managers-will-love-to-hate_1.html

Yep, no push email and a device that doesn't support corporate networks is _great_ for work. Not to mention its on-screen keyboard will never match up to today's physical keyboards.

The iPhone is not for business. It is for normal people. Outside of normal people, it's a pretty crappy and useless device.

[Jesse S @ Feb 26th 2008 2:26PM]

Oh, I should also mention it doesn't have removable storage or an SSH client. (Does it support FTP?)

Oh, and it's on EDGE for some strange reason. There was no reason not to put a 3G chipset in it, unless Apple wanted to make one with a 3G chipset for later to "force" people to upgrade.

[Kamal @ Feb 26th 2008 12:13PM]

Apple buys god! to be renamed iGod?

[James @ Feb 26th 2008 7:29PM]

Shh!!! Somebody will get the idea and use it in their sermons!

WWJD? Probably not use stupid slogans.

[Prokanda @ Feb 26th 2008 12:43PM]

oh my.... it was good. I laughed.

[Rob @ Feb 26th 2008 12:16PM]

Hopefully they won't get them from Wal-Mart loaded with prOn.
Maybe the Dean will load her personal Gangsta Rap collection of Ice Tea, NWA, and some Tupac for good measure.