I have a MacBook work supplies me with. We get new ones every 2 years or so under the lease agreement. I like it, gets lots of "oh cool" comments. I run Linux on it as much as OS X.

But damn it's expensive for what you get. Seriously... I think I might consider spending $500-600 on a adequate laptop now, and then maybe spend another $500-600 in her 3rd or 4th year if she really needs it. Stays within your budget, but builds in longevity a bit better I think. How much computing power does she need? The latest greatest technologies are always sold at a premium anyway and is probably overkill for her. Just my 2 cents.