[Mass_nerder]

So I'm applying to Masters of Environmental Design in January. Should I be accepted, I'll need to upgrade my computer.
From the program recommendations, and from friends who are already in the program, I've been told I'll need a "high-end" laptop (apparently Alienware is common). I'm not really wild abut carrying a high-end "gaming" style laptop around campus.

I want to explore the possibility of getting a high-end desktop at home, and accessing it remotely from a lighter, more mobile laptop.
I know when I was working for a fairly large architectural firm 5-6 years ago, we had the ability to access our work computers from home for this purpose, so I would assume it should be possible.

I understand the laptop will still have to have a very good graphics card, but are there any real limitations, if the laptop is always connected to the internet?
Would this even be practical?
Money is part of my consideration...I know I can get more for my money in a desktop vs. a laptop, but I'm also considering convenience and durability.
My last heavy duty laptop I carried around frequently broke down quite quickly due to damage in transport.