Maine Allows Schools to Trade in Apple iPads, Laptops

Apple and Maine education officials are allowing school districts to trade in iPads for laptops after teachers and students say the computers are better for schoolwork.

The Sun Journal reports the Maine Department of Education and Apple are offering schools a "Refresh" swap at no additional cost.Laptops and iPads ordered in 2013 can be traded for new and improved Apple MacBook Air laptops. Schools can also get new iPads.Auburn's iPads are being returned and 1,718 laptops will be delivered to two schools in the fall. Teachers say students were using iPads as gaming devices.

Officials say Apple came up with better priced and designed laptops and iPads after schools complained about iPads and opted for less expensive, non-Apple computers such as Chromebooks. (AP)