what is the purpose of thelap top.
The laptop, or a similar laptop will run a program called the Driver Station. It will take in joystick inputs and have additional USB devices plugged in. In the window of the driver station, you configure which robot you want to control, enable, disable, and generally control the robot.
You can also use this laptop for programming, planning, etc.
Greg McKaskle
First, I suggest using proper grammar. At least capitalize and punctuate correctly to the best of your abilities. People would want to help you more if you try, because nonchalantly just posting shows disrespect and lack of interest. I learned the hard way. Not trying to offend you, but from my experience, I have learned to treat every post like an essay that I would give to my English teacher.
Okay, back on topic: the laptop is the device you would use to control the robot. However, I heard there is a new rule that allows other electronics. I have not looked into that rule yet. Some teams use the class mate to program the robot too, but I never use it to program. The keyboards are just so tiny and they give my hands cramps.
The upside to this year’s deregulation of the Operator Console allows for teams to essentially use anything. If so desired, a team can use a regular laptop for the operator console, and simply re-image it as required. Personally, I think the size and weight factors might prove to be annoying, so I’m glad our team is looking into using a slightly larger sized netbook, with a decent battery life 
Yes, what he wrote is absolutely true. Emphasis is mine.
The important point is that he learned.