When I was an undergrad at the University of Illinois all I got was an email account and file space to create websites and store files. Back then the school was really promoting the creation of websites since Marc Andreesen had just finished creating Mosaic (the browser he created while still at school). Today Engadet is reporting that Duke University will buy each new incoming Freshman an i-Pod. This is on the heels of Universities like Penn State giving students access to online music services like Napster. So what exactly is the role of Universities when it comes to giving students technology?
When it comes to the Penn State deal with Napster, I think it is a good thing because it is a "Win-Win-Win-Win" situation for all the groups involved. The school is probably saving money on bandwidth costs by reducing p2p file sharing, while also limiting their liability with the music studios. Students are getting a music service for a very low price (reportedly only around $3 per student) and they now less tempted to pirate songs. Napster is getting thousands of students using their service and they will have a great advantage in turning these students into full paying customers when they graduate. And the last win is for the music companies. These type of agreements get students used to using legitimate services and not Kazaa.
As much as I like the Napster deals, I loathe the Duke / Apple deal. Engadget has it right when they call the school out for wasting money. The schools is spending $500K on this deal that could be used to help hundreds of financially disadvantaged students pay for school. Additionally, giving students iPods probably will only induce students to steal music... how many kids do you know can afford to spend $7,000 filling up their iPod with songs?
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