Really, textbooks aren't that big of a deal. There's other sources to get textbooks. The bigger problems, IMO, are "homework systems" or "virtual labs" where y

Really, textbooks aren't that big of a deal. There's other sources to get textbooks. The bigger problems, IMO, are "homework systems" or "virtual labs" where you are required to pay a superfluous charge to a textbook publisher because professors are too lazy to grade homework. So you either buy a brand new copy of your intro algebra book for $130 and get a 'free' "MyMathLab" code, or you can just buy the code for $115. (e.g.: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/MyMathLab-Standalone-Access-Card-4E/9780321199911.page http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/MyMathLab-St...) You'll note at that point, they don't need to produce a new edition every year that renumbers the problem set, because they're going to get their pound of flesh anyway, and you can buy an old book - but you still won't be able to pass the course, because professors require you do the homework through this 'system'.