The Computer Engineering department voted to join the wireless laptop project begining Fall 2004. This means that officially each new (frosh or transfer) student is expected to have a laptop with wireless capability. Starting Fall 2005 all students are expected to have access to a wireless laptop for class work.
Not every course will require a wireless laptop – but some will. It is recommended that you not run right out to buy a laptop if you don't already have one; rather wait to see what sort of deals you will be able to get.
The bookstore will has pricing available for systems from Apple, Dell, and other vendors.
The recommended configurations are described
here