[JshWright]

I guess that attitude comes from the fact that I've always had to buy my own cake in life. My parents provided me with food, clothing, a place to live, and other "necessities". They never bought me a laptop, a cell phone, a car, or any of the dozens of other things that teenagers seem to feel entitled to these days.

[cgranade]

Fine, and good for you. Opportunities aren't uniform, though, and there are students who don't even have those necessities you mention, and have to work for those. I likewise was fortunate to have the opportunity to make my own money at a young age, and so I don't begrudge you that. What I take exception to is the implication that all students have such opportunities, are aware of them, and enjoy the familial stability required to exploit opportunities as they arise.

[JshWright]

The student the OP mentioned was given a laptop by the school. I fail to see how a _second_ laptop is anything other than a luxury.

I take exception to the implication that the student's parents are stupid for not seeing the _obvious_ need for a _second_ laptop.