We meet every day in a wired classroom where you may bring your laptop and fire it up to check our homework page, and maybe even open a Maple worksheet to do something inspired by what bob is doing with his through the ceiling projector.
You will probably want to check email when you enter class. I understand. But there is a great temptation to abuse this opportunity and continue well into the class period, moving on to surfing or computer games or other distractions.
Class time is for discussion of homework problems you were assigned to be done by class, for predigesting new material, and for interaction. Needless distraction for you or your neighbors is a bad choice. If excessive laptop distraction becomes a problem at any time, I will regrettably call attention to it and hope you redirect your attention. Let me know if anyone is interfering with your concentration in this way.
With your own laptops in front of you, please be reasonable about how you use it. If you come to class, please come to participate, not waste our time.