I am also in school (1 year older). And have tried several laptops over the last couple years. I am currently using a 13 inch business laptop. You asked abou

I am also in school (1 year older). And have tried several laptops over the last couple years. I am currently using a 13 inch business laptop. You asked about software - Windows 7(I use the old Windows 98 interface, still don't like the docky thing) - Ubuntu (I use the gnome style, again not the dock) - Mac OSX (depends on the hardware and if you are willing to do some trail and error) I have tried going with a Desktop for years, but for some reason teachers don't let me use them in class(joking). I agree I need that portability. I currently am using one of the business laptops that are large corporate companies use. For example Thinkpad, and HP often get into corporate deals with hospitals, schools, IT infrastructures, etc.. Reasons I would do so. 1) Cost - They are often fairly cheap to buy a used one. I believe there is an decrease in cost that goes on with the devices. Companies buy them in bulk and then often sell them in bulk. 2) Supported - by companies, hardware and even linux(both hp and thinkpad are often Intel graphics cards) 3) Take Apart - They are often intended to be taken apart. I'm serious. I have a panel on the bottom of mine to eject the back. Instance access to RAM and hard drive. I personally like the flexibility. 4) Tracking Point -I can't stand one of those trackpads(Yes even on Macs). The business models almost always have tracking points because a lot of business people can't stand them either. This may or may not be a selling point for you, but it is for me. 5) Quality - The business models truly feel more solid to me, and you can more easily order replacement parts online. 6) Matte Display - If you are working for long hours, I find glossy displays impossible to use. Business laptops (at least all that I have seen) use Matte Displays. This is fairly different then the glossy ones they sell in Best Buy. I used to own a Thinkpad, now I own a Elitebook 8460p - i5 4GB. I bought it for $350 off ebay. I will probably get a Thinkpad in a year or so I like their keyboards better. Additionally Thinpads are what a lot of the linux kernel guys and Googlers use.