I think your post expands on the basic idea that there is not one magic bullet that will work in every educational setting. Your alternative $50,000 scenarios make sense, but as with all things like this, the devil is in the details. In this case, that means analysis of the situation particulars, the time and talent available to implement the recommended solution, integration with supporting services and existing facilities, and long-term follow-through and back-up. IT projects have a bad habit of going bad far too often; this type of effort is no different.
I would like to take issue, though, with the idea that once one has advanced beyond middle school, use of netbooks is a poor alternative to a more standard notebook PC. Over a year ago, I gave away a 15" Toshiba dual-core Windows XP notebook and replaced it with a 10.1" Asus Eee PC netbook. In the intervening time, I've maxed the RAM to 2 GB, cloned the 160 GB Windows XP operating system to a new 500 GB drive, which dual-boots Windows 7 Pro, and continued to use it as my only portable computer. I have access to powerful desktop PCs at home and work, but for me, the netbook is perfect. The size of the keyboard is not an issue (and I don't have particularly small hands), and the ten-inch display shows me enough to get my work done. I run the full Aero desktop, along with MS Office 2010 and other mainstream apps. I even have a 3D CAD app I occasionally run. My needs aren't that exceptional, and I will admit that a faster machine would be nice at times. The things that keep me happy, though, are the 6+ hour battery life and the three-pound weight. I'm quite satisfied with my choice in trading "down." Once again, though, as is often the case, your mileage may vary.
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