I would ask the school for a recommendation. Find out what the other students are using. Also, find out if any of her classes involve computer usage and which software they will be using.

I know more then a few parents who had to purchase a second computer because the first one did not meet the requirements of their child's curriculum.

Ditto johnkr about asking the specific school what's up there.

Unless there's some overriding reason not to, I'd go with a Mac. Learning curve is near-zero barrier -- really pretty easy -- and they're much less troublesome maintenance-wise. IMHO, better boxes and better OS's all around. After switching myself two years ago and comparing this period with the more-than-a-decade with PC's previously, I consider the argument over. I'm not a techie. I just like my stuff to work....and keep working. My Mac is first box I've had that does. That's where my bias comes from.

I actually did talk to the computer store on campus - they sell Dell and the Macs, so both will work. He seemed to be pushing the Dell, I think because of this 3 yr protection plan they have packaged with it. His recommendation was to go with what she was used to. We've looked at the Macs online and they look pretty user friendly. We're no techies either & I agree with asolo - I just want the stuff to work.

Clearly, I don't know much about the Macs, just that they are different. One question I have that might seem silly - in another forum I got the impression that you cannot get a "full screen" window or image on a Mac - is that right? Also, one concern is opening documents created on a regular PC in a Mac. Thanks again.

the biggest concern is what software programs will she need to use, if it is programs that are only for windows then you need to go windows, unfortunately many of the programs that are used are specific to windows. I would however really suggest going with a pc that has xp on it instead of vista if she is not using vista, several companies do still sell them with xp just shop around, I think Dell does sell with xp installed, I know IBM/lenovo does. If she is used to windows and does not want the added stress of learning a new OS at starting school then go with windows.
Definitely check with the school itself and the actual advisors for what ever area she plans to go into they can tell you what software will be needed.

And remember that student discount!!

No good talking to the computer store on campus really. They sell Dell and Macs so will promote those for self gain rather than student need. Not to say those may not be the best but be aware any retailer of any product needs to promote only the things they sell to remain in business.

You could look through the threads here over the last 3 months, there have been many useful threads on the best and better laptops.

FWIW...I get full-screen windows on my Mac. Macs can read PC documents. When I switched, I had more than ten years worth of PC documents to transfer from PC to new Mac. It was easy, straightforward, and fast. I also exchange documents with my PC friends and they with me. Really...these are not issues.

And, if you find you must run windows for some specific reason, Macs run windows also. (For myself, I want nothing to do with windows and its myriad problems. However, acknowledge the obvious fact that many prefer it.)

Suggest this free forum if you want to ask more questions. I hung out here for six weeks before I bought. Found it well attended. The individual forum I've posted here is called "switcher hangout"....frequented by lots of folks just like you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Free Mac switcher forum

Asolo - thank you so much for the forum link - looks like just what we need!