My Computer Crashed

Soooo - my computer has decided to crash - dead - died - can't bring back to life - can't retrieve any data - can't use it at all - can't get my final papers off the hard drive - dead. Perfect - the week before finals and my computer decides to die.... that's fabulous, especially since my notes for all my classes is on my computer.... how do you tell your professor that your computer actually ate all your notes and has since died, so the computer can't give it back? Think they have any simpathy? Let's hope so! And if you know of any companies having a good deal on computers or have any suggestions concerning laptops/desktops - buying a new computer.... let me know - I'll be in the market for a new computer the day after Christmas!!