It appears the NYPD is handing out iPods to their recruits to listen to class content. This is a great idea because the time travelling in and out of each class location can be spent listening to the content.

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The New York Police Department is handing out iPods to academy recruits for the first time to allow them to listen to and watch coursework on the subway.

(source)

This is all very cool but I am left wondering:

1. Is this advertising or marketing in any way? Does a free ipod encourage signups?
2. Would this be a story if it were not an iPod?
3. Does this all seem OK?

Something about this whole thing has me wondering and thought it was worth a blog discussion.