SO, laptop deals are forever changing and seemingly getting cheaper, while at the same time advancing in technology. As every student will know, a laptop can be a godsend when it comes to lectures, whether you intend to spend your time typing up lecture notes or playing tetris! Either way, here are a couple of handy tips for freshers when looking into a new purchase.

Firstly, consider its use. Will this be a workhorse laptop, a desktop replacement if you will. This is most likely the case if you are embarking on a computer based degree such as Graphic Design or Software Engineering. For that, I would recommend something with a decent Quad Core or I3 processor, 4Gb of RAM (minimum) and a decent (preferably solid state) hard-drive to quickly compile code fragments and hold them in storage. Something like the Sony VAIO F12 Core i7 Laptop (VPCF12S1EB) is a good bet, with 6Gb of RAM and an I7 Intel processor, coupled with a dedicated NVIDIA 330M graphics card. Add a 16″ screen and 500Gb of storage and you’ll be set to compile your code, model your new characters or simply watch Star-Trek via Sony’s built-in BluRay player.

Of cause not everyone needs something quite so powerful (and expensive!). A more mid-ranged laptop for those more concerned with storage for their music and photos, as well as Microsoft Office and a bunch of other freebies to boot may want to consider the Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T (LX.PCR02.021). This mid-range laptop boasts an impressive 4Gb DDR3 RAM, coupled with a core 2 Duo processor which guarantees a fast start-up time and a moderate performance throughout. It’s got pleanty of storage too, with an identical hard-drive (320Gb SATA) to the 5741 mentioned above. On top of all that, it comes with a beautiful High-Definition 13″ screen (perfect for transport) and an integrated webcam (for Skype calls to “back home”). The price of this should be a reasonable £499.97, but for a limited time UCAS are offering promotional codes giving a £100 discount on this model. (See Here)

My final choice is the Acer Aspire Timeline 5810TG (LX.PDU0X.085), a similar (improved storage and screensize) laptop to the 3810G described above. This laptop would suit most students, with a dedicated graphics card for moderate performance, as well as a 500GB SATA drive (the largest one of the three) which will ensure all your videos and photos from freshers week will be stored no problem. It’s only downside is that it doesn’t come with Windows 7. However, Laptops Direct are offering an upgrade disk which any self-respecting student could install themselves for only £50. This takes the total to £499.97, which is still £250.00 cheaper than the recommended retail price. The beautiful 15.4″ screen and built in card reader is any university student’s dream. If your a bit geeky like me, at least!

It’s an important decision; The seemingly heartless machine will become your best friend as you spend countless nights together typing up essays in the dying minutes. To make life a little easier, Laptops Direct have listed their top selections, all of which UCAS are backing. Some even have UCAS discounts! You can see their choices Here. I would personally go for the Acer Aspire Timeline 5810TG as described in the previous paragraph. It’s a lightweight, stunning and good performance laptop.

Last but not least, you want to kit out your laptop with all the goodies you can. My recommendations would be to grab yourself a security lock cable, which will fit into almost any laptop on the market today using a generally un-noticed hole on the side of the case. I’d also get a wireless mouse, as long hours using a track-pad can be uncomfortable. Finally, a case with several compartments to carry the laptop, mouse and any paper based notes / books you may want to transport all in one bag.