Buy the best computer you can afford. I'd get the i7 2.9Ghz if you can afford it.
I couldn't disagree more.
I give the exact opposite recommendation. And this is what I'd tell my son, if he were going to school this fall..
Get the minimal computer which will adequately do everything you need for the next 6 months...
Specifically, if you gave me the parameters/ needs you just did, handed me $1300, and said get the best system, here's what I'd do:
- I'd go find a reputable online seller, and buy a used Macbook Pro from them. [I've used macresource.com, wegenermedia.com, and powermax.com.. Recently it's all been thru wegenermedia, but I've been treated well by all, and have been quite satisfied, but no real complaints from any] - I'd just compare them all for best bargains. Look at lowendmac.com as well-they often list dealers with great deals.. [My only warning - avoid gainsaver at all cost!].
- I'd buy a used 2009 Core2 or 2010 13" Macbook Pro (one with a few bangs and dents but as absolutely AS CHEAP AS I COULD FIND with a warranty. $550-800.
- I'd buy a $25 plastic snap-on case to cover it.
- I'd fill it slam full of RAM (2009's go to 8gb, SOME 2010's go to 16gb).. ~$100
- I'd put a 256gb SSD drive in the HDD bay, and the original drive (OR a 500gb SSHD drive) in a sled in the optical bay, boot from the SSD drive, and store data on the other...$300
- And I'd invest the $100 that's left over into something that's going to bring a return on my investment - like schooling. or rent.
And that would be one ridiculously fast cheap laptop. And if i needed the optical, I'd invest in a $30 external USB drive off Amazon. It would well outperform the $1300 13" that Apple's got on the market right now.
All that said, why on earth are you considering buying a Mac if you're going to be installing Exchange Server on it? Honestly, I think that's the bigger question you should be asking...
I can't think of a good reason a college student would want to be learning something so outdated as MS software, unless you're also wanting to invest in buggy whip manufacturing.. WHY are they still preaching Microsuck in IT classes? If so, you might reconsider your education investment.
Linux is the future. All other flavors are imitation.