I often get questions about how I do my initial set-up of iPods. Here are some brief notes about my process:
Set each iPod up individually (not from a back-up)
Do the first set of App installs one iPod at a time (if you are installing multiple Apps)
Name the iPods #-studentname-ipod-ber
Set-up all possible playslists you want. Do not sync to iPods until you have all your lists in place (Smart playlists are the best)