computer for civil engineer

<p>i have several questions regarding computers for next year</p>

<ol>
<li><p>the obvious one mac or pc? please no fanboys just honest opinions from students in engineering programs or at maryland. i am currently leaning towards mac</p></li>
<li><p>do i need a laptop? i have a 27 inch mac i could bring from home that i love. Could i survive with this and maybe my old crappy hp laptop? If i do get a laptop which will probably be the macbook pro should i still bring the desktop or is there no purpose?</p></li>
<li><p>Should I buy a macbook pro laptop through the terrapin technology store or apple if they come out with the annual educational promotion? I understand maryland offers a great on site warranty program but i could just get a warranty at bestbuy or through the apple store also</p></li>
</ol>

<p>thanks</p>