Should schools quit using text books...

and give every student a laptop computer instead? Would this be more efficient and less costly?

I don't think so.

It seems to be a new idea going around. Seems a lot of people think schools just don't need books and computers would be better.
I disagree with that logic.

Me either. I'm not sure I even see it as logic.
We don't need a bunch more people who can't do the work
or even their own thinking.

VAIL, Ariz. — Students at Empire High School here started class this
year with no textbooks, but it wasn't because of a funding crisis.

Instead, the school issued iBooks — laptop computers made by Apple
Computer — to each of its 340 students, becoming one of the first U.S.
public schools to shun printed textbooks.

School officials think the electronic materials will get students
more engaged in learning. Empire High, which opened this year, was
designed specifically to have a textbook-free environment.
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Georgia state legislators and educators are considering a proposal by
Apple to move from printed textbooks to iPads, according to a [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].
“Last week we met with Apple, and…for $500 per child per year, they
will furnish every child with an iPad, wi-fi the system, provide all the
books on the system, all the upgrades, all the teacher training – and
the results they’re getting from these kids is phenomenal,” said
Republican Senate President pro tem Tommie Williams.
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There is a lot more. I truly believe so many people are going to be sorry for this and a lot more internet reliance.
It's bad enough for a home computer to not connect or get a virus, etc... imagine a whole world like that.

My brother lives in Vail... I didn't even know they HAVE a high school. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
If people forget how to do things (like THINK) for themselves I think
it will be a disaster.