Notebook for engineering student?

[Synomenon]

I'm a computer engineering student looking for a laptop. I've taken one programming course so far and really wish I had a laptop then. Being able to type the professor's sample code, etc. and run the code in class would have been very nice.

I'm looking at getting an ultraportable notebook. Specs.:

Core Solo Processor U1500
2GB PC2-4200 RAM
100GB 4200RPM SATA Hard Drive
2.84lbs.
11.1" screen
Intel GMA950 w/ up to 224MB of memory shared with the 2GB of RAM

I've seen the notebook in person and I'm fine with the screen size. It's running Vista Business, but I have a copy of XP Pro. I could put on it if Vista is no good. Would this notebook work well with my computer engineering courses? I have a desktop so I won't be using the notebook for gaming, multimedia stuff, etc.. I want to use it primarily for word processing / office stuff, web surfing and coding (when in class and anywhere I don't have access to my desktop or my engineering lab).

 

[TheStu]

What is the resolution of the screen, if it is 1280*800 then you should have just enough room to fit stuff like code. But if it is any smaller than that, than you may have problems.

Other than that, it is all personal preference.

 

[Synomenon]

Thanks for the input. The screen's resolution is 1366x768.

 

[AmigaMan]

That hard drive seems a little slow. But seeing as it's an ultraportable, you may not have any other choice. THe 2GB RAM should help alleviate some of the perceived slowness of the HD. I'd put XP on it personally.

 

[TheStu]

for now, i would also recommend XP simply because it has known software compatibility, whereas Vista, since it is so new out of the gate, might still have some problems. I know that some of the other students on my program are running Vista, and have had no problems with it for the most part. But i uninstalled it since it was messing up OS X.

 

[Gibson486]

Anything on the market would suffice. It's all a matter of preference now.