Oh great, another black LS1 TA on campus... I thought I was the only one
What are you going to really use this for?
-Writing Papers
-Putting together the occasional presentation
-downloading music
-watching movies
-browsing the web
-storage space
-maybe video-chatting
That's pretty much it. The computer labs & library computer labs all have Macs & PCs as well as any/all applications you may need for any class--ask your professors, they'll confirm that.
*Windows, Windows, Windows! DC++ is the ****, Shakespeare sucks a fat one.
*A 500GB External HardDrive
*Laptop > Desktop. The portability is awesome. I was able to take my laptop to office hours, work while hanging out in bed, use it in the study lounge if need be.
*Get something with a strong wireless antenna (Although, if you're on Livingston, you're going to be plugged into a ethernet the majority of time. But, all classrooms have wireless signal)
*Stay away from Dell
*GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
I bought a Toshiba Satellite right before I started school ($900). It's been great & been awesome. I purchased the 3-year extended warranty for 300 bucks or something and it has paid for itself (The laptop was in a backpack & fell out of the car when the liftgate was opened last year, so the wireless signal wasn't as strong anymore. I sent it to GeekSquad, they're looking at it and may be sending me a new one, free of charge. w00t). My roommate & my ex-GF both have Dells, they've been through 5 laptops (in 2 years) combined. My brother has a Toshiba Satellite that he got for $400 just as a "Around the house" laptop. I'm on it right now and I think even this would be fine for school. (Needs an external hard-drive and webcam, but just fine for college needs otherwise).