We also have a Smartboard in some of our classrooms. A Smartboard is about 48" square and is a computer screen that is on the board. Professors can just touch the controls to get what they want. They can also draw over their notes, bring up internet images, powerpoint, etc., etc. The possibilities are endless. I think it is the greatest aid for teaching that I know of, especially since I teach with slides (or, now, internet images). I often analyze the artworks first; then we discuss them, but often students never got the right notes down. Now I can write the notes in class, or post pre-written notes, and students can relax and discuss the works and get the notes later on line. Some students have to process information by writing notes, but others don't and can truly benefit by absorbing the information visually.
The Smartboard works even without laptops in the class. But as students get the laptops, they can download the information in class and then add to it as they wish.
I do wonder about IM going on, and I also wonder if new fun "tricks" on the internet might replace hard thought and learning. However, being able to search for sources etc. in class could be beneficial.
I think we should try whatever the budgets allow, debate and assess the results, and go from there. But students should still be reading real books. I expect, however, that soon books will be on line as well, and that might be beneficial in some instances.
Smartboards are great. We installed them in our new acad building last year and the college profs love them. Its like the next level of overhead projectors.
The institution I work at also uses wireless laptops in the HS grades, but in addition to the books.
I think we are stepping away from the basics kids need to be able to know how to do. Who wouldn't have loved a grammer or spell checker when they were in school? Heck, kids already use calculators too early.
But that's just my $.02