1. 250 is the least I would go with for gaming.
2. Install it yourself its pretty easy
3.Wait just to make sure nothing is wrong with it just in case it needs to be returned.
4. Any reason for a laptop over a desktop?
About 20 ft through 3 walls for me. 5 hour charge time while playing, and maybe 3 while off. 7 when fully charged form me. Over time all batteries decay at some rate when it comes to life, but you can get replacements for the g930.
Amd Apu laptop if you can find it a8-a10, it looks like there is this one.
http://www.macmall.com/p/HP-Notebook-Computers/product~DPNo~9902253~pdp.ifbfahb?source=mwbgoogleshop&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}&gclid=CJCuwJeA17wCFRSUfgodIUYAVg
Would something like this do?
http://www.macmall.com/p/HP-Notebook-Computers/product~DPNo~9902253~pdp.ifbfahb?source=mwbgoogleshop&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}&gclid=CMyO562gw7wCFYdgfgodaFAAkA
In my opinion smaller is a lot better in college as battery is usually longer and it makes it more portable. I would recommend a maximum size of 15-16 inches based on my experience. For the specs it is relatively expensive and only has 1600 by 900 screen, not good for 17 inch.