the school doesn't actually sell computers but they primarily us Mac s

As an art major I would definitely get a mac, there is a very good chance most of your classmates will have macs and they are (in my biased opinion) much better for just about anything creative. I would get an iBook or the 12 inch powerbook depending on your budget. Wait until after MacWorld Create on the 16th though incase they introduce new and improved models.

-Mike