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In the IT field (at least where I'm from) it's generally accepted that the vast majority of people who buy laptops do not need them and this applies doubly to students. If there's a legitimate need in class for a laptop for Powerpoint or what have ya, then yeah, you'll want to get one. If not, then there's really no point in spending the money which could probably be better used somewhere else.
Some things to consider:
Are you living in residence on campus? Rez students rarely need a laptop since home is so close to hand during the day. If you desperately need something off your computer and it's a five minute walk that's a bit different than if you need it and it's 20 minutes by car/bus. If you're halfway organized this will likely not be an issue, but shit happens sometimes.
Is the scalability a concern? The two major disadvantages of a laptop are scalability and cost. While they're getting better in both fields, it's still much easier to upgrade and alter a desktop PC to possible changing needs than a laptop. Laptops also aren't as good for gaming, generally speaking, so if you do or plan to do a lot of PC gaming you may want to stick to the desktop.
What about cost? Is money an issue? Again generally speaking it costs more to get the same amount of power in a laptop than it would in a desktop. Is that a concern?
All things considered I'd say if you needed a laptop you'd already have one by now. The very fact that you feel the need to ask for opinions is a sign to me that it's not really something necessary for you. Are they handy? Yeah, there's no denying that, especially if there are wireless access points set up on your campus. Being able to take the internet with you is a huge plus. The only question is if the benefits justify the cost. Given the drawbacks, ask yourself if this is going to improve your life enough to justify spending over a thousand dollars. If it is, go for it. If not, than use the money for beer instead.
Alternatively, you could throw the cash in a savings account and wait until you're at school. Wherever it is you're studying there'll be a store where you can buy a laptop if three days into the semester you decide you can't live without one. Try going without first and if it's too much of a pain in the ass then get one.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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