This afternoon, Apple unveiled the brand new iPod touch. This device features the same revolutionary interface as the iPhone; the same wireless access to the web with Apple’s Safari browser; the same music, video and photo capabilities; the same accelerometer that automatically adjusts between portrait and landscape; etc. Essentially, it’s an iPhone minus the phone and a considerable chunk of cash. The two models of “the touch,” 8GB and 16GB, are priced at $299 and $399 respectively, plus potential monthly fees for the recommended broadband connection.

This combination of affordability and functionality might make the iPod touch an ideal choice for universities seeking to determine the benefits of converged, mobile devices in higher education. At almost half the price of the iPhone, “the touch” might be distributed to more faculty, staff and student researchers–increasing the size of pilot groups and, thus, expanding the spectrum of experimentation.