Drexel education students to get free iPod photos

The Drexel University School of Education will distribute free iPods to incoming students next fall in an attempt to integrate technology into teaching, according to The Daily Pennslyvanian. The program is based on part on a similar, but much larger program by Duke University: "With a similar objective, Duke gave all of its 1,650 freshmen 20GB iPods last fall....Drexel came up with a smaller-scale version of its own. Depending on the school's acceptance rate, between 30 and 50 students will receive the latest iPod Photo players." Drexel says the program will have a dual purpose: to capture the interest of students as well as ask students to develop their own ideas for incorporating the technology into teaching, including recording sessions (lectures, group interviews, audio blogs, interviews, etc.) and "podcasting." An evaluation for Duke's iPod program is expected next week.

RadTech ships Mini Cocoon iPod cover, mouse carry bag

RadTech today announced immediate availability of the Mini Cocoon, a stylish and versatile, semi-rigid clamshell case for iPod mini. Designed for maximum protection, the iPod case features a 2-in-1 design: a tough, outer clamshell completely encases the iPod mini for rugged protection, while a silicone skin allows access to all control elements and ports, providing added protection when used separately or in conjunction with the outer case. It features an integrated belt clip and comes with a lanyard. The case also includes a storage pocket for items such as ear buds and cables. RadTech also announced its RadPak, a compact, semi-rigid clamshell case for the BT-500 mini Bluetooth Mouse. (Site not updated; product pricing not available.)

iPod owners spend millions on accessories

Envisioneering Group, a market research firm in Seaford, N.Y., says that the iPod economy is worth millions and that it capitalizes on users' unique emotional attachment to the digital music player, according to the The Times-Picayune: "Few gadgets inspire the fervor and devotion of Apple's iPod. Owners of the digital music player do not simply see the iPod as a convenient way to listen to 50 Cent and Coldplay. They view the iPod as one of life's essentials, and they act accordingly, spending millions of dollars on iPod accessories....The companies producing iPod accessories seem to thrive on the style, inventiveness and simplicity of the iPod, responding to each new version with additional products to extend the usefulness, and even the style, of the music player."

Apple offers discounted first-gen iPod minis

Apple is now selling discounted versions of un-opened first-generation iPod minis. The Apple Store is offering Silver, Green, Blue and, Pink versions of the 4GB iPod mini for $180. These models include both a USB 2.0 Cable and a FireWire cable, which is not include in the new generation iPod mini; however, the newer model feature longer battery life. As noted yesterday, Apple is also offering discounted previous-generation iPod photos.

Official Star Wars iPod cover to ship in April

StarWarsShop.com has introduced the "first and only" official Star Wars iPod Cover. Available at the official Star Wars Store from Lucasfilm, the cover features Episode III Darth Vader in flames. The iPod skin, developed by MacSkinz exclusively for StarWarsShop.com, adds an extra level of protection and uniqueness to the iPod. It includes a front and back matching set. It is as thick as a credit card and form fits the iPod. The covers are produced using a glossy, scratch and chemical resistant plastic with the image embedded in the material. Available in two sizes, they are designed for the fourth-generation iPod with Click Wheel. It is available in both "thick" (40GB iPod model) and "thin" (20GB iPod model) sizes for $30 and will ship in April.