A report from The Associated Press notes that the latest biannual market research study by Ridgewood, NJ-based Student Monitor of undergraduate college students in the US found that Apple’s iPod has surpassed beer drinking as the most “in” thing. “Nearly three quarters, or 73 percent, of 1,200 students surveyed said iPods were ‘in’ — more than any other item in a list that also included text messaging, bar hopping and downloading music. In the year-ago study, only 59 percent of students named the iPod as “in,” putting the gadget well below alcohol-related activities.” Thanks to MacMinute readers Marisa and Kent Millard for this news tip.