Computers for University studies

I'm looking for a laptop to use for university studies.  I will most likely major in some form of Engineering.  Minimum specs for my university are:

2.0GHz CPU
512MB RAM
Newest Microsoft Office
Windows OS - Vista preferred, XP accepted.

I don't know everything about computers, but I know enough to think that those specs will not last for more than a year at that level of study.  Which computers would be best suited to last 3 years (I doubt that's possible but it would be nice) for an Engineering major? If it's possible a computer on the less expensive (<$1200 before any warranties) side would be nice.

Newest Microsoft Office
Windows OS - Vista preferred, XP accepted.
By ``university'', do you mean ``community college''? Find a better one.

I don't know everything about computers, but I know enough to think that those specs will not last for more than a year at that level of study.
You're an idiot.

>>3
Oh, an ad hominem attack towards someone asking a question.
Look up what ``ad hominem'' actually means. Protip: it doesn't mean ``insult''.

>>5
You're an ignorant moron. ``Ad hominem'' does mean ``to the man'', but it only means dismissing an argument because of some quality of the person making it while disregarding the argument itself. It does not apply to any given attack on a person.

It's sad classical education has fallen out of favor, if you are the best modern schools can do.