you are spoiled. i've had the same laptop for about 7 years now and i've never needed it for anything other than simple research and writing up documents. i'm in highschool and i STILL haven't needed my computer for much other than that in terms of education.
and don't give me stuff about how you need it for "notes", "networking between students", or "virtual textbooks." i did the same thing with actual notebooks and textbooks, and i still do today, and i have much stronger back and shoulders thanks too it. as of the networking, phones work just find. hell, they even have sites that offer free teacher operated forums. the fact of the matter is you live in a rich neighborhood and all the tax money that could be used on important things, like schools in poorer areas, is going to an ipad so you can type some half assed notes and play angry birds.