Abilene Christian University Giving iPhones to students

This Mac News World article (Cell Phones make Headway in Education) makes it sound like colleges are giving away free iPhones or other smartphones to incoming freshmen. Off course it's not like they are handing out free iphones. It doesn't mention if there is a "supplies" charge. Even if there is not, college students pay a good chunk of cash on tuition. So there is a cost.

Still it's pretty cool, I guess, that schools are embracing technology and applications from the iPhone to perform certain tasks. As noted, in many ways the iPhone can replace functions of a laptop ( I'm sure Apple had that in mind), and the smart cell phone is a technology the way computers were a new technology in the previous generation.

Cell phones were previously a nuisance in the classroom, with them banned from many schools and classrooms. They were seen as a distraction, a source of leisure and entertainment, not something for learning and productivity. The iPhone and other smart phones provide something new. Educators are realizing that this technology can be something other than a distraction. Cell Phones can be educational tools.

Phones for ATT

One of the most popular cell phone providers is AT&T Wireless, formerly Cingular. Like all major wireless provers, ATT offers several equipment models. Many high quality phones are offered "free" as an incentive for those who would like to sign a long term agreement. Free Contract Mobile phones include new models, not just old ugly cell phones.

For example the Blackjack II by Samsung is available for free with a 2 year agreement for monthly ATT wireless service. This smartphone has many features and functions and is comparable to phones that cost $200-300 or more.

Of course, this is not the only free phone AT&T offers. There is a wide selection of free and reduced phones available. ATT even offers cell phone upgrades for existing att customers with phones at very low prices. If you find a plan with the features you need and are willing and qualified to do a contract, an ATT phone may be the way to go.