<p>For engineering, unless something specific is required, I’d definitely say go desktop. I think only once in the past 4 years I noticed someone with a laptop in class… it’s just not practical. There’s no way you can do any sort of math on there with the speed you’ll need to for engineering classes. Now a HUGE pad of engineering paper… that’s definitely necessary.<br>
I agree a laptop is nice for doing lab reports, etc… but there were so few of those compared to the number of papers that non-engineers write.<br>
Besides, upgrading a laptop is so limited… in 4 years of college there will be so much you can (and might need to) add. Unless you really want to work on campus/in the library, get a desktop - use some of the money you save to get a flat panel monitor, and you’ll have tons of desk room - and stick your tower under your bed.</p>