NC school drops laptop requirement, cites economy

GREENSBORO -- One North Carolina university is dropping its requirement that all students have a laptop computer because there isn't enough financial aid to pay for them. The News & Record of Greensboro reported Wednesday that dropping the laptop requirement at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is the result of a slumping economy and university budget cuts. The school had required laptop computers for all students since 2005. An official said the university could save $700,000 a year by dropping laptops. Some departments like the business school still will require laptops and the school will offer discounts to help students. Last year, the university upgraded its campus wireless service to give students and faculty better service. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)