Help choosing computer. i m a New Computer science student..

[Atley]

hello. well this is my first post here... so i expect good answers...
well actually i am joining my college in computer science stream . and i need to buy a pc..
i have a desktop pc which has 2 GB ram , 250 GB harddisk, dvd reader and writer .. core 2 duo processor.. 1 GB nvida 8500gt
so i am not looking for a very bad pc/laptop or what ever
What should i Buy?
1.) A laptop
2.) Netbook or Notebook
3.) ipad
First of all whats the difference between them?
which one would be good for me ..my budget is 800 U.S $ ... and i have to use it for 4 years till my college are not over..

but please tell 2 of them
1.) In my budget
2.) may be out of budget but best


well i am learning C++ language right now.. planing to go far ... and which other languages you recommend, i should learn..

my interest is in joining a gaming company may be in pc gaming...
Hope you can guide me...
well thanks in advance if some one reply..

[Bren2010]

Computer Types

Laptop:
Like a netbook, but slightly larger, meant for actual work (word processing, larger programs), and can do it pretty fast.

Netbook:
Sad little laptops, primarily built for browsing the internet. Can do things a laptop can, but not as fast, or well.

Desktop Computer:
Stronger, faster, and basically better than the two above. Only problem is it is not portable, which most computer science students would require.

IPad:
Oops, forgot this one. iPads are basically a giant glorified iPhone. Relatively new and fast, although, only built for entertainment. Definitely not an option.

Operating Systems

Windows:
Alright if you need the commercial Microsoft products, but it will take a bit more effort for languages your going to learn like C. Their newer models are pretty fast, so it's a fair choice.

Mac:
I can't personally speak, but it is probably out of the question since it is more commercial work oriented, than developer work.

Linux:
Once again, I can't personally speak, but your going to have a lot of people vouch for Linux. Not so good if your going to need programs like Word, but very good for a developer.

You can never say one operating system or computer type is better all around. You just have to find one that suites your needs. I hope I've helped!

[sanddbox]

You forgot one computer type.

IPad:

Totally hyped up and probably used by your grandmother. You won't be able to use it as a laptop (although at least you can watch videos on its incredibly thin screen!).