Laptops aren't essential for modern classes, laptops (in the true consumer sense of the world) have barely been a thing that students can easily afford for barely 20 years (more like 15 if we're being honest here).

SV is going to learn that society is allowed to reject technology and the sun will still rise tomorrow.

About 20 years ago I learned if I took my laptop to class and typed my notes I didn't retain nearly as well as if I took a pen and notebook.

I was in computer science in Canada and probably 5-10% of people brought laptops to class as far as I recall. A few people had to use the labs, but most students had their own computer or laptop at that time.

>SV is going to learn that society is allowed to reject technology and the sun will still rise tomorrow.

The sun may still rise, but the stock market may not.

Silicon Valley is indeed, disconnected from the reality of the world.