At first I thought get an apple laptop as it will provides endless fun on tPF where u can "research" on which WE to get... It is my happy medium for connecting onto tPF daily! I love my apple! BUT.... if u have a good chance of getting a laptop later...like for a graduation present... or a going away to college gift... then get a WE for ur birthday...as it will be a more sentimental (as opposed to practical) b'day indulgement that will make u very happy! And then in the future...u can put ur apple laptop inside of it!