Laptops for School???

This is the line that got me:

"Mikaela, who is entering Grade 8, says it would be a big boost for her schoolwork and save her from carrying heavy binders to class."

Really? That's why they want a laptop? Oh the binders are too heavy. oh. Bullshit I say. Our kids are just hooked and if they have a laptop in school, well on come MSN and Facebook. Are they really typing all their notes and assignments during class. Honestly I would find a class of typers annoying when trying to listen to my teacher. So is it worth it forking over $600 + for your kid to have a laptop in school? No, I'd rather spend the $50 on binders and notebooks for the kids. Uh I mean notebooks with actual paper that is. So suck it up princesses and little men, carry those books or store them in the locker when not needed! That's what I had to do, as did your parents, ect.

Look at it this way, my son, age 11, is bugging me to get him an IPOD Touch. Those things run at around $200. I can't even really afford to get one for myself. And quite honestly, at my age, and the fact I know more songs, I should be the first one getting an IPOD touch.

On the flip side, I agree with computer for students with learning disabilities. My son recieved a Mac laptop. Nice one. But it was primarily for schoolwork as he has difficulties with handwriting. I hear that they now have voice recording laptops that a person with LD can speak into the computer and it will type the story. Great idea! My son thinks faster than he can write/type so this would be an excellent tool for him. Technology does have its benefits.