I am not with bias either (I worked for Apple for 10 years), but with Microsoft Office for Mac, there really isn't a whole lot you do need the PC for EXCEPT specialized software. At the University of Texas the School of Business requires a Windows PC (actually they want you to buy a Dell from them), and part of it you can get by with the iBook for, but there are a few specific titles you must use that they provide that only work on the PC (I forget the specific titles at the moment), which was a big deal to the Apple Reps who worked at U.T.
Mac OS X is based on BSD Unix, and that has helped bring some much needed software to the Mac in the world of academia. However, you really should check with the university you are going to attend and verify with them that if you choose to use an iBook that they don't use software not available for that platform. Some universities are better than others when it comes to accomodating both major desktop platforms (linux is making a dent in the server world, but having used it, I would never run it as a desktop platform. It's great for a server environment though).
Hope this helps.
Wayne
BTW, the rest of my family is Windows based too. The best part is when my dad calls me for tech support I get to tell him to buzz off (actually I usually tell him to call my other brother who helped run a windows IT department for a while), because even if I do know the answer I don't feel like trying to walk him through the hell of windows troubleshooting.