I'm currently researching about a new laptop for Uni starting September. My firm choice is Bath. I have had a Macbook pro 13' Late 2011 for the last 5 years or so, but I'm now considering changing to a Windows because I'm a little bored of Mac and want something different. That being said, If a Mac really is the best option, I'm happy to get another macbook pro. My uses will be: Coding, netflix, web surfing, email, some gaming and any other computer science things I may have to do (potentially running linux??) I'm currently looking at: HP Spectre x360 13' NOT 4k. - Either i5 processor or i7 (£200 more expensive). Dell XPS 13' (not 2 in 1 model).

Macbook Pro 13' not touch bar model. Please let me know your thoughts.

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Are there are other good laptops around this standard which Im missing? Is Windows a good idea? Is computer science going to require an i7 processor? Tor Don't bother getting another Mac, there really is no point. Your current laptop might be ok for everything listed, but if it is 5 years old then it is probably starting to run slow. If you are going to get a new laptop, get a Windows one and save money.

Anyways, seeing as a laptop is for general use too, you would need to look into multiple areas as you have listed: Gaming -> Needs a dedicated GPU and decent CPU with at least 2.4 GHz (Note, this includes if you are planning to do any game development or 3D graphics module at your comp sci course) Web browsing/ Email -> Meh, as long as it has a CPU and built-in WiFi or ethernet port you are fine. Most laptops should come with this anyway, and if it doesn't then the laptop is basically crap.

Storing files -> Needs a decent sized HDD/ SDD Programming -> Just need a fair CPU really, but it doesn't need to be powerful unless you are doing some kind of game dev or 3D graphics (as mentioned earlier) Running Linux -> This is usually done via duel-booting. So, this usually means partitioning your storage into two parts and then installing Linux on the new partition.

As always with computers (including laptops), the spec is more important than the make and model per se; I would ensure that whatever you select, make sure of the following: 1. A sizeable hard disk at least 1GB because, assuming you go for a Windows OS, you will probably need (or at least be prepared to install Linux in addition - dual operating systems), so will require comfortable storage space. Also, the virtual memory provided by some spare room on the HD will help boost speed. Get a good size RAM in current standards, so at least 6 or 8 GB, preferably with two memory slots, and upgradeable, to allow future-proofing.

Either i5 or i7 processor should be good enough, but as suggested by SomeGuyHere above, go for a reasonable size monitor - the alternative, if you are bent on 13 inch, is to get a larger freestanding monitor (22 inch?) in addition to keep in your uni room, and connect as a second monitor (using VGA OR HDMI - quite useful to have HDMI socket in any case for watching any sports on TV OR for rehearsing presentations), which you can also use to 'multitask' i.e. Have two or more programs running AND visible simultaneously. It would suffice to keep the large monitor just in your room, as most coding (apart from your room) will be done in the uni labs, which should have fair-sized and good power machines, or in other departments in the uni, all of which should also have large monitors. (Gaming might be faster with an i7 CPU?). Good luck with your degree.

M (MSc Computer Science). ( by Hopson97) tor Don't bother getting another Mac, there really is no point.

Your current laptop might be ok for everything listed, but if it is 5 years old then it is probably starting to run slow. If you are going to get a new laptop, get a Windows one and save money. Anyways, seeing as a laptop is for general use too, you would need to look into multiple areas as you have listed: Gaming -> Needs a dedicated GPU and decent CPU with at least 2.4 GHz (Note, this includes if you are planning to do any game development or 3D graphics module at your comp sci course) Web browsing/ Email -> Meh, as long as it has a CPU and built-in WiFi or ethernet port you are fine. Most laptops should come with this anyway, and if it doesn't then the laptop is basically crap. Storing files -> Needs a decent sized HDD/ SDD Programming -> Just need a fair CPU really, but it doesn't need to be powerful unless you are doing some kind of game dev or 3D graphics (as mentioned earlier) Running Linux -> This is usually done via duel-booting. So, this usually means partitioning your storage into two parts and then installing Linux on the new partition.