Hello, I am in the SAME situation as your son.
I also need a college notebook for classes, streaming videos, creating projects, and a little gaming.
I don't know what type of games your son is into, but I am into older generation shooters. I am also not to nitpicky about game graphic details; I just want decent and playable framerates.
Here is what I have come up with:
http/www.amazon.com/ASUS-U30JC-A1-13-3-Inch-Laptop-Silver/dp/B0036ZEANO
A PC laptop with
switchable graphics. This means that the computer will automatically switch gears when playing games to give higher graphic processing power and then disable the higher-end graphics when the game is over in order to preserve battery life. The downside is, like with all mainstream laptops, they are not intended for hardcore gaming. As you find more laptops with higher gaming performance the price will rise and battery life, along with portability, will decline. After looking around, I have found this laptop has won at least 2 Editor's Choice awards for hitting the bulls-eye between value, power, portability, and battery life. And it doesn't look half-bad either. What more could a college kid ask for?
Other than the above, I am also pondering on a Macbook Pro 13.3" which is more expensive, but if I am able to install Windows and run it smoothly, then I think it will be a combination of the best hardware and best software. Macs just seem like they are made for college kids.
Hope I could help.