Maine’s education commissioner says she has assurances from at least 47 superintendents that they are ready to move forward with iBooks in high schools this fall, giving her confidence that a deal can be struck with Apple. “Susan Gendron said the commitments bring her closer to the minimum level of 8,400 students and teachers necessary for Apple to rent laptops for US$300 apiece per year, with training and other perks included,” reports AP. “And a spokesman said the show of support will bolster Gov. John Baldacci’s case as he goes before the Legislature to press for full implementation of the laptop program in all 119 high schools.”