get a tablet pc. it's a great laptop, plus you won't need to take paper and pen notes. Don't expect to be able to type notes in class. a) can't write diagrams or anything, and many profs won't allow it (the noise).
however, with a tablet pc, you can write and then convert it to text if you want. However, the coolest thing about the tablets is that you can write notes on it, and record the lecture at the same time. then, when you go back and play the audio back, it'll scroll through your notes where the audio and written notes line up. THAT would've helped me soooo often. to be able to go back and here what exactly the prof was talking about while knowing exactly what i was writing at the time.