I wrote my own entry on this subject last year: http://biolyrics.com/biolyrics/unitools.html

Something I’d add: synergy is a great way to consolidate the work area as well. My typical work setup is my laptop as a synergy server and my netbook as a client. This lets me run a ssh on my netbook and control it with my laptop.

Also, mobility is huge for students. Although it can get a little awkward, I’ve written many a philosophy essay on the back of a bus on my netbook.

Thanks for the great post.