iPod touch as a student computer

Apple finally released its iPod Touch, which I think signals a new era of computing. For a while, I've been saying that eventually schools will not provide computers for staff and students to use. Eventually, computers will be so small and cheap that we (school tech folks) will just provide the infrastructure of electricity, printers, network access, network-based apps, and database subscriptions. iPod Touch could be the first device to really make that work. It is cheaper than most laptops, has WiFi built in, and a screen that's actually readable by an adult. Staff and students can browse the web and check email, but also use it to access online applications like Google's Docs and Spreadsheets.

But that's not my cool idea (because it's too obvious). My cool idea for the iPod Touch, which Apple should really pursue, is to make it into a platform for students. Lots of vendors make other standalone devices that Apple could replace with this mini-computer. For example, Texas Instruments and Apple could partner to create a "TI-93" application for the iPod Touch. Heck, Apple already has a basic calculator on the iPod- why not make it a real graphing calculator? It's got a better screen and more horsepower than a regular graphing calculator. Obviously, it has more overhead, but my guess is that this probably will not be a deal-breaker when considering the benefit of multi-functionality.

This would be great for Apple because they automatically get a huge market for their product. They can tout the iPod touch as not just an entertainment device, but a learning device. One could argue that it could cut into their sales of computers, but I work in a Windows district, and we are considering how these could be used in addition to our desktops.

Kaplan sells an SAT-prep "game" for iPods. I'm sure it won't be long before lots more content is published specifically for these items. But the really cool idea will be publication of actual applications and "virtual devices" to run on top of the iPod touch "platform."

I've pre-ordered by iPod Touch so that I'll be able to test it out and see if this is as feasible as I think it is, or if I've been duped by the SJRDF and my own imaginative thinking.