[pradypnair]

If u have a desktop at home I dont think there's any need for an additional comp. Invest in a good external hard-drive like a pen-drive & u can carry around all ur important files. The only benefit of a laptop (that I have observed) is that if u have last minute preparations to do for ur presentations during lecture-the laptop comes to rescue. Internet connections are always available in the lab. Besides the laptop is very cumbersome to carry around.
If u still would like to invest in one then go for a windows based one. Preferrably HP or Lenovo. Be prepared to loosen ur pockets by atleast Rs.45,000