Laptop or netbook for new student?

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Most students only have one computer, and find a laptop preferable to a netbook for the larger keyboard and screen. Comfort when working for long periods is very important, and netbooks are pretty cramped if using them for long periods. Don't bother with a desktop - they aren't any cheaper, take up more room in small student bedrooms, and are too much trouble to transport at start and end of term.

Laptops are pretty heavy and typically stay on the desk in your bedroom. Netbooks are the smaller more lightweight alternative. A netbook makes a great second computer, if you want one to carry with you on a daily basis and use around campus between lectures. But most people don't do this. You can use the university computer rooms, and you can check Facebook and email on many mobile phones now.

Do I need a printer? How about software?

Most student use university printers and don't have their own. Printers are cheap but replacement ink cartridges are very expensive. So don't bother with a printer. I would however get:

a mouse (£10-£20) - more comfortable for long periods than the trackpad built-in to laptops,
a USB flash drive (£5-£10) - carry documents around with you, eg for printing
a USB external hard disk (£40-£60) - to sit on your desk and store a backup copy of your documents, photos etc. Very important this!

What software do you need? Most students need:

* a copy of Microsoft Office (for word processing). A student license for Office is £40-£50.

* anti-virus software. Don't buy this however! Download a free copy of Microsoft Security Essentials. This quietly does its job and stays free forever.

If you plan to buy Microsoft Office, have a look at Microsoft's Ultimate Steal offer for students.