Your statement is probably misinformed. I do not know the specifications on the laptop so I cannot sure in my analysis. You can buy a powerful laptop for $400 to $700. The prices that the college quotes seem rather dated. For example, you can purchase a laptop with dual core (Intel or AMD processors), 4GB RAM, 64 bit Vista Home Premium, 15.4 inch screen, 320GB disk, rewritable DVD, HDMI port, media reader port, and built in web cam for under $600 (perhaps even under $500).
Exactly right. This one I am using is such a machine, and it cost less than $600. Dual core HP, AMD and the works. Look at your big box stores and get an extended warranty and forget Dell. Apparently the school is writing themselves a nice commission on that deal.
Places like Tiger Direct sell parts and kits that you can get to build your own puters if you are so inclined.