Laptop debate for college. An 18 yr. old vs. parent's views.?

We are having debate with our 18 yr. old son over a laptop for college. He is exceptionally bright in math and majoring in physics, CAD. He's considering $2,000 laptop (includes extended warranty,) model ASUS G1S. No doubt a good unit, but we have concerns. This seems to be a LOT of money to tie up in a laptop for a freshman. He won't even be taking physics 101 until next year, and really advanced cles for 2-3 years from now. I'm thinking a $600 model would do all he needs for low level general education cles he's taking for the next two years. He can THEN buy something better. He's living in a dorm, and always chance of theft. I ume thing will be dropped couple of times and wonder if Best Buy warranty will cover that repeatedly. Finally, my fear is he mainly wants to play computer games with, and will do that instead of cl work and flunk out. Almost happened in high school. So buy expensive now, or cheaper now? His money, but no job to get more $$.