Usually networking/talking with other developers/start-up dreamers. There are some presentations at times although at this next venue (RFD) there would probably be some isolated laptop demos.
I really like it. I just wish it was available for cheaper. To drop $200 and possibly not like it would suck. But bravo for an ergonomic keyboard without the number pad. If I come into some extra dough I may just go for it.
I think this is a great idea and very upfront for the reasoning. There are many games I know nothing about and would like to try, having the discount edition (barring there is a demo) lets me do this at little cost to me, and if it is a hit, I will be a lifelong customer paying full price onward. I dig it.
2 years for my own undergraduate. However my girlfriend just graduated with 40k worth of student loans last August and we'll have it paid off by the end of the year.