Yes, another Laptop advice topic

[Takeno]

Im going to be starting college in 08, and Ive decided to buy a laptop for my personal use. I want this laptop to be as close to the best out right now. My budget is 3000, maybe even 3500 USD. This notebook will be used for gaming, among the other normal college uses. Also, something to keep in mind would be that I plan to possibly install Linux in the future.

Thanks in advance for the advice.
EDIT: Links to sites and models would help too :D

[Devek]

3 things.

1) Make sure it has a core 2.
2) Make sure it has at least a gig of ram (2 is optimal).
3) Visually check it out in real life first even if you plan to order online. If the screen and isn't comfortable with your eyes you will be unhappy with your purchase.

This is a good time to buy a computer. This isn't like the past where a computer built last year will be obsolete in a year or two. Sure computers will keep getting faster, but.. A good laptop now should last you 5 years or more IMHO.

[Takeno]

3 things.

1) Make sure it has a core 2.
2) Make sure it has at least a gig of ram (2 is optimal).
3) Visually check it out in real life first even if you plan to order online. If the screen and isn't comfortable with your eyes you will be unhappy with your purchase.

This is a good time to buy a computer. This isn't like the past where a computer built last year will be obsolete in a year or two. Sure computers will keep getting faster, but.. A good laptop now should last you 5 years or more IMHO.

I was thinking more of a 3GB ram (4 would be awesome but its too expensive I think). Ive been checking out Sony vaios but Ive read some bad reviews about them.

[Elesirdur]

The Toshiba Satellite series of Laptops are very nice and not terribly pricey. They kind of stand as a bridge between huge 21" desktop-replacement laptops and more portable medium-sized units. However, battery life isn't that great on them (<4 hrs usually) but if you're just taking it to class for notes then back to your dorm or the library where you can plug it in you shouldn't have much of a problem.