ISU probably recommends Mac because that's what the school bookstore sells. That's how my alma-matter was. 
He doesn't need any fancier computer than any other student, none of his engineering specific programs will be available on his computer anyway. Any CAD or engineering software is EXPENSIVE, and will only be available at the engineering labs. The more simple computational programs like MathCAD and Matlab can run on any decent laptop, I ran both on a garden variety Gateway. He will primarily use his laptop for the internet, typing papers, Powerpoint, Access, and Excel. Any $600 laptop will be more than enough. It always amazes me how people think college kids need a $2k laptop to type papers and surf porn.
One tip, don't pay full price for MS Office software, wait until he has his .edu email address and MS will sell him a license at a deep discount.
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‘07 Mazda RX8
Past: 911T, 911SC, Carrera, 951s, 955, 996s, 987s, 986s, 997s, BMW 5x, C36, C63, XJR, S8, Maserati Coupe, GT500, etc
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