This is what I have. Mine does not even have a data plan. Works great in basements around my college, where there is no cell signal, but the wifi is strong. You only have one number to worry about, and it works like a charm when off campus.

I was using Calculus by steward for my college classes: http://www.stewartcalculus.com/ It covers calc 1-4, and most likely a bit more as well. calc 1 is equivalent to ap ab, while 2 is equivalent to the bc test. If you go through that book, you should be covered rather well. And the solution manual is available for half the problems, and works them out too.

i too would definitely recommend a thinkpad. I still have an 1200 iseries which still works just fine (short of the battery being useless and one hinge being broken due to someone stepping on it. Right now i use one of the new w500's. * Amazing keyboard. This was most likely the reason for me getting another thinkpad. not seen its equal. * very solid laptop. the construction is great, virtually unbreakable. * good linux support. most everything works out of the box now, and binary driver gives full 3d if nessesary (i just run of the integrated intel) * amazing resolution. nothing beats 1920x1200 on a laptop, non glossy too. * has bay (never used one) and swapable drive * again, amazing keyboard

Well, here at OU we have computers in some labs and here and there actually running linux, but then again, it is required for cs majors to program in VS (or at least have it installed ;) )

Firefox is rolling out the "build your own browser", sometime after 3.5 comes out. Its supposed to be aimed at providing just this kind of stuff. http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/06/09/0052232/Mozilla-To-Launch-Build-Your-Own-Browser

I am sorry that you have to put up with regulations such as those. At my college, all we have to do is register our MAC with our ID (done on first login) and then you are good. And so far they have not been blocking P2P, but they have been discussing it. So far it is still possible, but who knows what the future holds.

I can only suggest that you consider to either accept the rules or go to a different University.

Best of luck.