Couple of suggestions from somebody who has 2 kids at uni, one is doing a medical course, didn't need any special software. MS Office (you will get a free license with your .ac.uk e-mail) and web browser covers 95% of usage. Windows or Mac will be fine. Mac are more expensive up front but hold their value well. I wouldn't get a Chromebook. especially as it can't run Office. iPad is Ok for taking notes and watching netflix but everyone I know who has one also has a laptop.
- Something lightweight is ideal especially if you are going to be commuting with it, I would aim for a 13.3" or 14".
- One big thing you need to think about. Both my kids like to take notes during lectures so they both have 2 in 1 with stylus so they can also draw diagrams, highlight documents, etc. They are likely a couple hundred over your budget but worth considering especially if you can pick up a used one less than a year old. Dell XPS (keep an eye on their online outlet store), HP spectre or Asus Zenbook. My sons Zenbook is now 4 years old and still going strong though could probably do with a new battery. Another option is a Surface Pro but that would be even more outside your budget.
- 3 cell battery should give at least 6 to 8 hours usage depending what you are doing.
- Both my kids have this battery pack for days when they need longer runtime as none of the lecture rooms have power outlets at every desk though you should in study areas. It gives about 50% charge without being too bulky.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-20000mAh-Charging-Recharge-Compatible/dp/B0C3GTMX5M
- AMD or Intel (aim for Gen13 i5 or above) is fine, I would steer clear of snapdragon windows laptops for the time being. Known issues with things like VPN which you might need to access uni resources from home.
- 8GB in a pinch but I would consider 16GB RAM a minimum these days.
- 500GB storage should be plenty, if you can get a 1TB then fine.
- Get a USB storage device for backups. You should get some cloud storage from the uni but always worth keeping two backups. Heard too many stories about files getting corrupted or accidently deleted or changed.
- Optional but I would get a docking station with mouse, keyboard, monitor and Ethernet port. Both my kids halls had poor WiFi but 1Gb Ethernet on the campus network. Also gives you some extra USB. External monitor is super useful, one screen for your work and one for web browser.
Anyway, good luck with your studies.
