Question from a reader - What notebook/OS for college?

Constant Reader Mikey sent me a question that I though was worthy of wider discussion:

I'm after a notebook for college (that I plan to use for work, rest and play!) and I don't know what to get. Should I:

- Buy a cheap notebook because it's likely to get knocked about at college

- If I'm going to go cheap, should I go even cheaper and install Linux as opposed to Windows?

- Buy an expensive notebook because I want it to last

- Buy a Mac because that's what everyone else tells me to get!

Any suggestions for Mikey?