+1 on the game console, I use a mbp for work and it works. Never had to do a clean install in 4 years, it just kept working. Now I bought a new mbp 13" with ssd and it goes like a hurricane. I assume you need the computer for writing essays and thessis as well?
Coworkers have used Dell and hp laptops that costed 1200-1400 euros and they have a battery life of a year max. And around two hours use on the battery when new. Compare that to the 8 hours of a mbp!
And a game console is much better for playing games. No viruses, hardly any updates, dedicated hardware.
