Could iPods Be a Cheap and Quick Alternative?

I've spent the day reading blogs, following links, and viewing video clips.  There is so much out there to do and so many wonderful ideas.  I wish that there was a clearinghouse of lesson ideas using technology.  Perhaps there is.  If anyone knows of a list, please forward it to me.  Thanks.

I have been concerned about the limited numbers of computers available to students at any one time in my building.  The lab seems to be signed out regularly.  The three laptop carts are always being used and a fourth and fifth carts are reserved for the Special Education department.  In order to guarantee access to technology I typically reserve computers 3 weeks to a month ahead of time. I feel very anxious when I begin to think about exploring ways to use these new Google tools on a regular basis in my class.  I'm trying to be creative.  Will this push me to design centers?  Will I have to be excellent at matching learning styles with various instructional activities?  How much time will be needed on my part to research and plan all of these activities?  Heart pounding....

I colleague shared a link to a blog about iPods.  Maybe this is my creative solution.  I'm starting to dream about having 12 iPod touches in my classroom, or maybe 6.  Comparatively, they are less expensive.  They do not require an IT person to set them up (a good thing since there is no longer IT in my building - but that's yet another conversation!) and kids will already have a Google account.  Oh, and then there is the fact that nearly every kid has an iPod touch!!  Even kids without phones tend to have iPod Touches.  No school money required.  Well, I would have move a mountain to allow kids to bring them to class and use them.  Seems that is strictly against the school rules.  IPods in the classroom sounds like a simple solution, yet even they come with a challenges.  All I want to do is engage kids in new ways.  I want to start something in class and then have students want to continue it at home, or on the bus, or waiting for practice, or while they're watching TV for all I care!  My own kids live on their iPods.  Why not tap into this?!