I don't recommend buying any electronic items, like computers, tv, or flash drives at this time. By the time your son attends next fall, the prices will have gone down and the computer you purchased now will be "old" compared to the ones available next summer.
Wait for the back to school sales next summer and you get a better computer for the same price. Unless you enjoy waiting in line at Best Buy at 3 am to get the limited amount of laptops.

Also, alot of the items you'll need for college will be on sale during the back to school sales and may not be on sale now. Good Luck!