Dr. AYY said:
I think it depends on your school and how technologically advanced their curricullum is. I have lots of med student friends and they all have a laptop. If your school uses online notes and has supplementary material online then definetely get a laptop. Also, you are allowed to work in a computer expense to your loans that is not included in the max $38,500 you are allowed to take annually. So if you do decide to buy the computer and don't have the extra cash lying around I would suggest waiting until the beginning of school and buy it then so you have the latest one. Just save the reciept and give it to your financial aid directors to get the money added to your loan account.
P.S. I suggest staying away from Dell their customer service is horrible