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I, perhaps over critically, don't believe UMPCs will find much market in the classroom due to their lack of work space - they're just too small. E-books have a better chance but must change radically to incorporate the benefits of a true notebook PC.
These are my prediction for requirements to succeed.
Secure wireless network connectivity and applications
Fast display response and enough processing power for real-time video and digital notepad functions
Full color - what good is red ink if the display doesn't show it? Color has great value from a human factors point of view
Enormous display area - imagine writing notes on a sheet, watching instructional video, referring to an e-textbook and using a digital high-lighter to mark important sections and running Matlab, or some other application required for the class, in the background. The new Vista thing is handy, but not as handy as having more working area. Perhaps building a large display with digitizer into the table top and synchronizing it wirelessly to the student's hardware is the answer.
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