Buying a laptop-apple or windows?

I'm a freshman in high school and need help deciding which laptop I should get that will last me into college. Right now I'm using a Dell Inspiron N4010 and I'm comfortable with Mac and Windows computers. I have money saved and was ready to go buy a Macbook air 13" ($1099) yesterday, until my mom said she didn't like the feel and the salesperson. We went to check out the Windows store, and looked at these three models
Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga- its the same price as the air, so probably not.
Acer Aspire V5 14 inch- ($600)
Asus t300 LA-($800)
I don't really like Windows 8, but my mom thinks the touchscreen will make a difference.
Portability, reliability, speed, and being long lasting are my main concerns. The main thing I hate about my current computer is that it's a pain to lug around.
What laptop should I get?
Thanks.

Added (1). I use my laptop for mostly internet and Office. I don't think I would need that much storage-but correct me if I'm wrong. We were considering getting the larger storage Air because it can't be updated, but I think the smaller would be fine.

Guest

Apple or windows is nearly completely personal preference,

With a windows the hardware specs are going to be better with your price point but won't be as reliable

With 1100 you are looking at a low end mac but it will still be one of the best availible,

what I would recommend since you are in college is to get the Mac and install boot camp… This will allow the use of windows, osx mountain lion and Linux

Macs will outlast any other laptop

ryan

If your Inspiron is working ok, you should consider a cheap "disposable" laptop, tablet, or ultrabook to carry around. Anyway, after 4 years any laptop will become either obsolete, hard drive fails, or battery won't hold enough charge.

mmarrero

Laptops lifespan can be from 4-6 years depending on how well you take care of it. I would however stay away from Acer. Acers are built cheaply and no way it will last through college regardless how well you take care of it. Lenovo and Asus are both great and trusted brands.

Now on whether to go with one of those windows based computer or go with a Mac, is all on how you use it. If your not going to be going into graphic design and are going to just use the computer for internet and office, then save your money and stick with windows.

Now as far as windows 8 goes, if you install a start button like classic shell or pokki, which if you do go with the Lenovo it will already have the pokki start button installed. Now keep in mind not all windows 8 based computers are touch screen, so if touch screen is something you want make sure it has it.

And if your planning on this laptop lasting 8 years, you will after 2 years notice the battery starting to lesson, so you will need to buy a new one at some point. Around 4 years you will notice the laptop not running as fast as it did when you first go it. And by 4-6, your laptop will be very outdated as something faster and better will have come out by then.

So unless you really need your own laptop, I would wait until your senior year of highschool. I didn't get my own laptop until I was out of highschool and used it for college.

Linds

I thing you should for Windows 8. I know windows 8 is not better in several terms. It's touchscreen is just a gimmick and not much usable and cause frustrations. But cause you are a high school student and in near future may join any degree course where I thought windows laptop will be useful. Mac is also a good option but it is just a fancy thing so if you serious about real computing you should go for Windows8. There are lot of options you can choose from in Windows category at this price you can choose any laptop with high end configuration. Well if you wanna know more about mac vs Windows check this link: http://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop-software/20273/windows-8-vs-mac-os-x-head-head-review

Vishwendra