How many computers?

We say my SIL and her family over the weekend. One of our nephews had a Lego catalog with him and was showing me things that he wants for Christmas. As he was showing me, my BIL came up and was talking about how they are thinking about getting BOTH of our nephews their own laptop - that would be TWO refurbished Apple laptops - for Christmas and if they do that, they are hoping other family members would chip in also. Each of the boys would also be expected to chip in some of their own money.

Hubby and I were talking about this after and we were both flabbergasted that they would consider getting each of the boys (who are 9 and 12) their own laptop. One question that came up is "how many computers does one house really need?" They already have 3 in the house... Both SIL and BIL have laptops that they use partly for their jobs, but also for their personal use. Then there is a "family" computer that the boys mainly use.

I think part of the logic is that 1) the boys don't share well and 2) the older of the boys is having a lot of computer based homework and is expected to check Blackboard every day regarding homework assignments.

I guess if the boys are having that much trouble sharing, a second family computer might make sense, but two more computers???? The other thing that seems sad to me is that it seems to take the joy of Christmas away.... Christmas isn't about money (even though we all probably spend too much on gifts) and by having everyone chip in for the computer(s) they make it about money.