Bill, so dramatic, I love it. Seriously people, any mainstream laptop that can handle powerpoint, AIM/MSN/Yahoo messenger, and an internet browser simultaneously will serve you quite well here. Built-in wireless is a bonus, less dongly things to have protruding from your laptop. Oh, and lightweight, textbooks are heavy enough as is so aim for something under 5lbs. Apple, Dell and Sony have some nice laptops that are compact and still kick butt in performance. Plus, Apple and Dell offer educational pricing to students. I think Sony might offer a discount...not too sure though. Why worry too much about these things now, its the holiday season! Oh, if you are a PC person, Windows XP Pro is recommended, you will have to download the anti-virus offered by the computer help desk here on campus (its FREE). Anyways, you've just negotiated the most challenging hurdle: getting accepted into MEDICAL SCHOOL!!! It will sink in eventually, I promise. 😉 So, yeah um...enjoy your time, go travel around the world, or stay home and relax.
Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope sets are good to ask for in addition to the above mentioned items.
Cheers!