I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I am sure many of you have read the news article on Duke University handing out 4G 20GB iPods to incoming students next month.
Am I the only one seeing the issue with that??
1. I know it is year 2004, but not all the students have personal computers and without that, iPod is no more than a paper weight.
But okay, I guess people could use their friends' computers. I can't imagine the school computers being used for transferring music and other things because at my school, the computers are well managed.
2. Can you imagine the defects that may occur and all the questions and problems that many of the students will have? They will be going to their school, Apple, and very much likely here. I know that this is the place for iPod related stuff, but we are going to be seeing
"Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. I have problems with my iPod, it was ran over by my car...you think Apple will replace it to 5G for free of charge within an hour!!!"
everywhere. I don't mind the questions and I do and would coureously answer the questions, but you know people have been asking the same question, over and over and over again. And giving iPods to people who don't even know how to operate a toaster will cause unseen issues.
3. One of the articles were talking about this being the trend in schools...shouldn't they spend money on educational needs? Lower the book prices, lower the tuition, pay the instructors a little extra, not everyone needs iPod if they have no use for it and owns 10 CDs and don't plan on buying too many cause they only listen to music 1 hour a year.
Don't think I am just bit##ing, because I am not getting a free iPod (more like precharged to tuition). I don't care, I can afford to buy myself an iPod with two fulltime jobs. What I am trying to point out is that, schools should consider other issues before starting this type of promotion. Like offering heavily reduced prices on iPods to their students would give the students the option to buy one or not. I can see how Apple gladly went with this promotion, but suckers at Duke going with this is awful to see. I bet there was money exchanged to push this promotion at the school.
You can say anything you want to my post, but you should understand that I am saying this to raise concern.
[2411 byte] By [
SolidGun] at [2007-11-9 22:42:04]
# 1 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
In response to your thread:
1. I'm sure if Duke is running this kind of leading edge technology initiative with the ipods, then they are one of those schools that require all incoming freshman to own a PC. Most good/big schools require that nowadays.
2. Be careful- People who attend Duke, one of the best universities in the country, can hardly be classified as people who can't operate a toaster.
3. This I agree with. It seems unnecessary and only promotes the image of Duke as a school for silver spoons.
# 2 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
i doubt iPods will serve all that much educational purpose...i don't see the point of providing all freshmen with iPods.
a stronger promotion would be to provide each student with a laptop rental or something (obviously needs to be returned at the end of the year deal).
# 3 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Being a college student, the iPod will NOT be serving any educational needs of mine.
With the prices I pay every year for textbooks, I would much rather have a cut in the price gouging they are doing every year.
I think it's very cool to get iPods, and I would love to get one from my school, but as a whole, there are many better things that can do for educational purposes.
# 4 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
iPoopLounge, you consider Duke University to be filled with smartest people in the world.
I assure you that it is not filled with the smartest people. And they are not gods either.
There will be morons, just like any other school. And not all students will be forced to purchase/own computers. There are students, who won't need computers there too. Like my ex-girlfriend who goes there and is majoring in Art and despises technology.
That and when I was accepted 4 years ago, they didn't tell me not to come if I don't own a computer. I didn't go anyway, but still, they wouldn't have turned away my money if I wasn't willing to bring my own computer.
Sorry to break it to you like this, but Duke isn't so superior. I bet there are many people that can't operate a toaster.
# 5 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I do agree that there are better things the school could be doing with their money, other than buying new ipods for freshmen. but the arguement that it shouldn't be done because it has nothing to do with education is unconvincing. there are many things that schools do that have little to do with education. Gymnastics or water polo teams, for instance, or home coming dances. It could be argued that while they have little to do with education, they help students by improving their college experiences. The iPods might fall into the same category. In anycase, we'll see how it plays out and if this becomes a renewing trend.
# 6 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Originally posted by MuzakMan
Being a college student, the iPod will NOT be serving any educational needs of mine.
With the prices I pay every year for textbooks, I would much rather have a cut in the price gouging they are doing every year.
I think it's very cool to get iPods, and I would love to get one from my school, but as a whole, there are many better things that can do for educational purposes.
LOL. In no way was I saying that they were gods or superior. The fact is that people at Duke, or any university, are not morons. If iPods are available for the general public to buy and use, I don't understand your assertion that their will be a higher frequency of problems among the Duke students. Because they are being forced to buy the iPods? If anything the level of support and use among every incoming freshman at the school will make people more knowledgeble about the product and less likely to ask dumb questions. I remember in highschool everyone had TI-83s and the fact that everyone had them made people who normally would no nothing about technology fairly knowledgeable about making programs and using the fairly advanced calculator.
Lastly, four years ago you were accepted at Duke and they didn't have a mandatory PC requirement. When I was at my undergrad school 4 years ago they didn't have a PC requirement, but now they do. A lot has changed since 4 yrs ago.
# 7 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Also, to piggyback on iPooplounge (creepy just typing that name--whose idea was that!!!!??), there are teens on this lounge who can handle the iPod.
Solidgun, I think perhaps one of your points may be the fact that there is a mass free item giveaway whereas most folks (on this forum) do a bit of research before/after they buy the iPod. And perhaps since they are getting the iPod for free, they may not be inclined to give it as much thought as "one of us" (i.e., not taking care of it, not reading the manuals, etc.).
No, just because you are going to Duke doesn't make you the smartest, but it doesn't make you the dumbest. A lot of these freshman may already have iPods (perhaps gifts for graduating from high school).
Also, yes, more than likely the cost of the iPod could have been figured into tuitions. I can name two schools off-hand that "give away" free items...maybe not as highly visible as the iPod, but still.
My last point...at the risk of one of your bashings...the posts I have seen from you in the last couple of days seem to almost...hmmm...how can I say it? Like maybe you are discouraging anyone from attempting to get the new 4G?
Just my 2.48 American cents.
# 8 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Well, like I said in addition to my experience, my ex-girlfriend still goes there, and she said NO on mandatory requirement. Also, schools can't force you to purchase computers. There are other departments that won't need their students to own a personal computer.
TI-83 is not that complicated to use. Also TI-83 or its manual didn't teach me to operate a vehicle, computer, iPod, etc.
And yes, there are morons being accepted into schools every year. The point is, can they stay and graduate. So you saying "...that people at Duke, or any university, are not morons." is rather broad acceptance on your part. That and this thread is more related to "incoming freshmen".
Trust me on this when I say that there are idiots going to school there. I got accepted with 4.0 and 1550 on my SAT. A relative of mine that kicks his own a$$ for fun and didn't do so well in school got accepted to Duke as well because his dad has money. He grew up with maids and probably don't know how to use the toaster and that is where my analogy came from.
Also, schools haven't changed all that much. I am still in school and will still be for another 8 years. When I decided to apply at my second school last year for my second degree, none of the schools required me to own a computer to attend. I will tell you the same next year, when I go for my Ph.D program, that school will not require me to own a computer to attend. And guess where I am going to grad school....Duke. Which is why I brought up the issue in the first place.
# 9 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I don't remember bashing people's opinions to lead them away from 4G?!?!?!?!?
If anything, I want people to get the 4G so more accessories can come out for it. What gave you this idea?
I am sorry if people (and you) got this idea, but not eveything that people (or you) don't like to hear is "bashing".
So I don't want you to think that at all. If I bash your opinion, you will know for sure that I am intentionally doing so. And there will also be an apology that will be added onto that thread later on, when I realize that I wasn't being so nice.
Also, I have personal experience about some people that goes there.
I concur that "iPooplounge" is a creepy name, but I do have to say that it is very clever.
This added:
I think I see Mz_Jewelle's point and misconception about me. I just re-read my post and it does sound like bashing. I do apologize if this was so, but I just type whatever comes to me and then I move on. Just my true opinions that comes out.
Sorry, iPooplounge if you got the wrong impression, and this apology goes out to Mz_Jewelle as well if you she has been the victim of this, but I am just saying what's true and uncensored. You can always be a good sport and take it as a debate NOT "bashing"
# 10 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Believe me, I don't take it personal...I just call it "bashing" because 1)...I hear the word on forums and 2)My opinion is debates don't name call.
You have your opinion, but no one is an "idiot", or "stupid" for doing things differently.
And your point about "morons in Duke" actually let me add: There are morons everywhere--some of them even own iPods!!!!
Just my 2.48 American cents. Peace!
# 11 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Just imagine it...
A campus... full of white earbuds... No need for students to nick each others iPods!
... I think... You never know with people these days.
I agree with point #3 Solidgun.
benski at 2007-11-15 15:22:33 >
# 12 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I imagine all the technology illiterate will be giving away their free iPods to friends and relatives who would find more use out of it.
I find this promotion utterly useless; Did apple "give" away 1,800 4g iPods, or were all 1,800 iPods charged to these students/the school.. If so its so unfair, that you can't even refuse it, if you seriously can't afford the 259 increase in tuition (educational discount? lol) -- and apple just falls ### first into a pile of $, and a whole lot of promotion "a campus full of white earbuds." It'll be like walking around nyc. haha
# 13 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
No, this is costing Duke $500,000 approx.
I beg to differ about no one being idiot or moron. My cousin is one and when I mentioned morons being at Duke I was referring to him and his best friend. They are so stupid that sometimes, I wonder how they learned to talk. They are like those people on that MTV show JackA$$, but have no talent to develop it into a show. I never referred to someone else on this board as "idiots" "morons" "stupid" and this particular thread was regarding my experience with people I know there.
# 14 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Who says all mp3's are pirated? students can still buy music from itunes right?
narci at 2007-11-15 15:25:41 >
# 15 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Well, students I know of don't buy music as much. The scheme is that everyone chips in a quarter, buy an album, rip it and distribute. The album is sold back to a store.
Many people will buy from iTunes, but I see pirating issues with students that are eager to fill 20GB without losing money, and there will definitely be more with the free iPods.
# 16 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I really don't think it will make much of a difference compared to any other situation concerning mp3's in general.
What were people doing when cassette tapes came out? Each buying their own copy? (Right).
What about cd's? Again, I'm pretty the innocent population all went out and bought their own copies of the cd. Yep.
And people were "pirating" music before the iPods came out. What is the huge deal with this issue?
Like I said, I really don't think it will make a difference.
There are tons of people on this forum alone who do not buy the iPod for music storage, but once they do, they are cramming to fill it up. Right?
# 17 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
1. No, not all the students will have computers, but most will, probably 85-90%. I don't know about Duke, but I haven't met one person at Tech yet without their own computer, or a shared non-university computer they could use to transfer music. Yes, the people without computers might be screwed, but what can you do.
2. There are morons at every college, but Duke is fairly stringent in their admissions. Unless they cheated their way through High School, and on the SATs I would find it hard to believe that there would be many people at Duke who can't properly operate something as simple as an Ipod. Yes, there will be issues from the Jackass crowd, but not that widespread.
3. This is the point I agree with you on. I don't think that Duke will have issues with giving out free Ipods, I just think its pointless. It's a stupid ploy to get people to go there. Students would be helped a lot more by discounts on books, or even putting more tuition money towards education.
Instead of Ipods, Duke should have given like 200 free Itunes songs, that way they could help curb piracy and stop their students from being sued.
# 18 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Nice incentive to get more people to join, but the moneyy could be much better spent on textbooks, supplies, etc.
# 19 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Hey, FunnyPerson1, I like your idea of giving out the free tunes to fight piracy. That actually sounds beneficial than iPods being given out.
Giving iPods out will promote piracy, giving iTunes certificates will curve piracy somewhat.
As for your #2 comment, yes they do have strict standards in their admission, but my cousin's family is filthy rich, and I mean the filthy rich. That and his dad went to Duke. So there are people that get in without doing much. They don't graduate unless they buck up, but I assure you many people do get in that way. I know my cousin and he doesn't know how to use the iPod or is interested in it, because it is too complicated to own for him. Of course he got one as a gift from his father, but his iPod has not been used because he doesn't know how to transfer his CDs. iPod is really easy to use, it is the other stuff that is involved with maintaining one.
Yeah, I know everyone owns computers now a days, but I was referring to the few that don't and don't know how to use them or have slow computers.
# 20 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Originally posted by IlIlIlIlIl
i doubt iPods will serve all that much educational purpose...i don't see the point of providing all freshmen with iPods.
a stronger promotion would be to provide each student with a laptop rental or something (obviously needs to be returned at the end of the year deal).
Agreed, I attend a university that provides laptops for every student, with the cost coming in the form of increased tuition. Of course they are far more useful than an iPod would be to the average student, what with the email, internet access, hard drive space for all kinds of files, plus a campus-wide wireless network.
Lone at 2007-11-15 15:31:49 >
# 21 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I think you need to consider how much this is costing Duke vs. their budget.
With all new and returning students paying $40,000/year the few hundred $s for each of the new students isn't much. A school like Duke is going to have a lot of other sources of income as well from rich alumni, investments, real estate, merchandise, and so on. I don't know if the school's financial records are publicly available but I'm guessing their annual budget makes $500,000 for iPods look like a purchase of a pack of gum.
Now to give a student the $300 in cash instead of an iPod wouldn't get the advertising message out there like this promotion is. It also leaves a more positive impression of welcome on the students, in some way raising their opinion of the school. This can certainly lead to word of mouth advertising and siblings/children attending later on. Its a minor cost to the school to get some possible $40,000 returns.
And also on the point of the cash, if the students are anything like me, that $ would be in my stomach in the form of beer rather quickly. :D
MikeM at 2007-11-15 15:32:45 >
# 22 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
No offense to your cousins, but people that are filthy rich like that somewhat anger me. Some basically just get rich through inheritance meaning they did nothing at all to deserve it besides sitting aroud all day, and are dumb as a post. There are people (most of us) that need to work hard for our money and we buy iPods, kind of makes you mad that there are people that sleep all day and get an iPod for example by doing nothing at all...
Oh well you have to deal with it...
# 23 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Yeah, I agree. I don't hate rich people, but people that inherited their wealth doesn't appeal to me either. Having to have two full time jobs over the summer to pay for my technology addiction and seeing my relative driving around in his Porche gets to me as well.
When I attended University of Michigan, they charged me $40,000 a year and only thing I got was the receipt.
When I attended Michigan Tech and they charged me $24,000 a year, the only thing I got was the receipt and hard earned degree.
Now I am attending NDSU for $16,000 a year and there will be more receipts and another hard earned degree. Even with scholarships and grants, those bills are extremely high. I always wished that they would charge less and place the savings towards better beds, desks, cafeteria. I am sure that other students at Duke feels the same way. That $500,000 could help a few students attend college, hire better instructors, etc. If I decide to go there for my grad program, I hope I get something. I am guessing education and experience, not an iPod. They should place that money into something more useful and using that as advertising the school's appeal. (And hopefully TA's will be paid better :D)
# 24 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Originally posted by Doug Gilmour
No offense to your cousins, but people that are filthy rich like that somewhat anger me. Some basically just get rich through inheritance meaning they did nothing at all to deserve it besides sitting aroud all day, and are dumb as a post. There are people (most of us) that need to work hard for our money and we buy iPods, kind of makes you mad that there are people that sleep all day and get an iPod for example by doing nothing at all...
Oh well you have to deal with it...
Dog-Gone-It!!!!! Those filthy rich people who don't buy iPods...holy rich people with free iPods, Batman!!!!
Snicker...sorry, I just had to...couldn't help it...:p
# 25 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
my friend goes to berklee in boston, and had to buy a 15 inch PB it's one of the requirements, so to any of you that say no schools require you to own a computer look again lol
# 26 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I am less concerned with the issue of Duke students being able to operate the ipod or their increased likliness to pirate music, etc. While these are valid points, I am more interested in the decreased value that comes with owning an ipod. Think about it...everyone in your class at school has those little white earphones dangling aroung their neck. That is a total detraction from what Apple has worked to create: An iconic symbol of our generation. Not only is Apple's goal to produce a superior digital music device but to also create a symbol of status. By giving 1800 people (most of whome may have never intended to purchase one) free ipods Apple is allowing the ipod to become more mainstream at the expense of current owners.
# 27 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Originally posted by funnyperson1
I don't know about Duke, but I haven't met one person at Tech yet without their own computer, or a shared non-university computer they could use to transfer music.
This is kind of off topic, but what year are you at Tech? I go there, too.
# 28 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
This is an interesting thread and I only have once comment to make. FORCING people to use technology they may not want to use is a sure way to turn them off on that technology. I know folks who were forced into buying laptops for collage and they now DESPISE laptops, ANY laptops, whatsoever. Forcing folks to use an iPod, many of whom will already have a preconceived notion that everything Apple sucks, will not make may new converts and will only #### them off in the long run...
baggss at 2007-11-15 15:39:58 >
# 29 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
You know it's not really free ipod right? They prob jacked up tuition to cover the cost.
# 30 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Whoever started this thread is either really bored or lets the smallest things in life rattle him up.
Who cares if some incoming students won't have easy access to a computer? They're getting an iPod for crying out loud. Worse case scenario is that they'll sell theirs to someone else.
# 31 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I would really like to know the details of Duke's iPod porgram. There has to be an alterior motive then the assumed PR k-rap.
We all know how universities are being targeted for music piracy, because its their internet connections being used; eventhough the university doesn't encourage or promote illegal song swapping.
If Duke feels this iPod giveaway (we know its not free) is protecting themselves in anyways, then any initial expence can be considered an insurance policy against future financial punishment, leagal issues, and bad PR. There has to be Duke legals at work being proactive here. Take this as you may, this iPod thing isn't a promotion........its protection, and we arn't sure exactly why.
# 32 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I can't believe this is coming back to haunt me.
TheSunTheSea, I started this thread....I will be going to Duke for grad program and that and I have had a lot of time since I have been suffering from cancer and I was in recovery for a couple of weeks after the surgery.
So I was bored, not the other thing about smallest thing bugging me....although this tiny scratch on my iPod that was kindly placed there by someone at Apple when it was shipped is bugging the crap out of me?!?!?!?!
# 33 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
I don't really understand the reasoning behind hating someone who has inherited money.
Is there a sense of jealousy?
I am not rich. My family has not rich, and has never been rich. I have many rich friends. Many of my friends drive nice cars, because their parents bought it for them.
If they are as*holes, then, I will not like them, but if they are just fortunate kids, whose parents happen to make a lot of money, but the kids are just normal kids like everyone else, with nice toys, why would you want to have a problem with them?
Anyone who has a problem with rich people who didn't work for their money has deeper internal problems to worry about.
# 34 Re: I see so many issues that Duke will have to deal with
Originally posted by baggss
This is an interesting thread and I only have once comment to make. FORCING people to use technology they may not want to use is a sure way to turn them off on that technology. I know folks who were forced into buying laptops for collage and they now DESPISE laptops, ANY laptops, whatsoever. Forcing folks to use an iPod, many of whom will already have a preconceived notion that everything Apple sucks, will not make may new converts and will only #### them off in the long run...
I haven't finished reading this thread, so forgive me if some ideas are repeated.
I somewhat agree with this perspective. I have a Laptop for college, but I was not forced to buy any particular brand, nor was I forced to buy a computer period.
The one piece of hardware I WAS forced to buy was an infared remote thing for one of my classes. They would take attendance and ask quiz questions via the remote. The remote cost me 40 dollars, and it is TOTALLY useless outside of the class. Complete waste of my money.
On the other hand, I find it odd that students are vitually forced to use a computer anyway. EVERYTHING has to be done online now--even getting homework assignments and syllabi. Heck, last year they stopped printing paper Course catalogs. Oh sure, the argument could be made about paper conservation, but it sure is frustrating when you need to look something up, only to discover that the universties' web site is down.
Despite of this, I feel the issue with the iPods will be slightly different. I doubt that anyone is going to be forced to use the iPod. Other than the calendar and "other school information" that has been placed on the iPods, there won't be a whole lot of things that nessecitate using the iPod; this is unlike the laptop situation, where students will likely be required to write papers, etc. with.
In sum: forcing people to use a particular computer harware/software device is bad, but the students will not be forced to use iPods.
