really depends on what college you go to. I know there are colleges that require you to have a laptop. certain lecture halls have ethernet ports for every students, and professors expect students to have laptops hooked up.
I have both the 8600 and 700. I hardly use my 8600 anymore. The 700m is not thick, not sure why the spec says it's 1.5inch. The display for the 700 is awesome. I actually like it better than the wuxga on my 8600 and that says alot. ...