Laptop for College: Physics/Engineering Major

[PRodQuanta]

I'm a high school senior and I'm going to be going off for college. My problem is, I'm not sure what type of laptop I want to purchase for college. I thought of no better place to ask than here (where the computer geniouses linger.)

I ask all of you because I, personally, can't see through all of the crap that the computer companies throw at me (and I'm sure most of you can). So here's some information that will hopefully help narrow things down:

1) I'm going to major in Physics and Engineering (possible Computer Science)
2) I'd like it to be a desktop replacing laptop. Thus, it has got to be somewhat powerful.
3)I would like it to be able to play videogames (its a hobby).
4)A PC
5)I would like to stay under $3000.(I could spend more, but not preferably)
6)I would like it to have a dvd/cd burner
7)Wireless internet capable
8) As large or larger than a 15" screen (preferably 17").
9) Last and least important: Somewhat light and portable

Now, I've done some searching and found some like the M685-E Series (microsoft I believe), Dell XPS M170, Sony Vaio (not sure which kind).

I don't know. I'm just looking for some direction here. Maybe with all of the information I gave you, you know of a perfect solution.

Any comments welcome. Thank you. I respect your knowledge and you opinion.

Paden Roder

 

[DirtyDan]

I just ordered a Dell Inpirion E1505, it should be great. Specs are:

Proc: Dual Core 1.66Ghz
RAM : 1Gb
Hard Drive : 60Gb, 5400rpm
Video: Radeon x1400 w/ Hypermemory (256Mb)

DVD burner, Media Center (I'm formating it on arrival so it doesn't matter), Bluetooth 2.0, Wireless a/b/g...


Final price: 1,127 USD, free shipping.
Should arrive mid-April

 

[ComputerGeek]

I was going to suggest an alienware Laptop.

 

[Dr Transport]

Why not get a docking station for the machine, it eliminates the absolute need for a larger screen and you still have a laptop to take all over campus...

 

[Anttech]

I was going to suggest an alienware Laptop.

Me too :) But Dell just bought them out, wonder if there still will be as good spec as before

 

[russ_watters]

3)I would like it to be able to play videogames (its a hobby).

Be absolutely certain that you have a video adapter with dedicated (not shared) ram.

 

[PRodQuanta]

Thanks everybody.

Paden Roder