Personally, I'd get a PC. For the most part, univeristy networks are PC or Unix based, and mac support is few and far between because they are in SUCH a minority and the training for them is limited by the realitities of budgeting.
If you end up with a wifi networking issue or something, you'll likely end up having to talk to some Mac geek who's not really IT support staff, just a guy that works in the advertising or graphic design department... because that's the only place on most campuses you'll find Macs.
If you're looking for the best price, here's a couple things for you:
www.tigerdirect.com
www.pricewatch.com
Or... watch the best buy newspaper inserts for those great deals they have. 24 months free financing on the Best Buy card? GREAT stuff there. You can pay like $1000 and get a $400 rebate, then finance the rest over time.
I have a high-end HP wide-screen from Best Buy, probably close to two years old. I do graphic design work on it, plus all the standard "office" functions. Great machine, never a problem.
One other thing to note about Mac vs. PC... If you have or are used to "borrowing" software from friends, for the most part on a Mac you will have to buy everything. (Not that I'm advocating anything here, but something to keep in mind)
Suggestions:
1] Make sure you get virus software that updates online automatically.
2] Make sure that virus software includes Adware stuff too.
3] Never put your real email address in the settings inside Internet Explorer. Websites grab it and you'll get spammed all to heck and back.
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