Couple of thoughts

First obvious one is what would she like/is used to as she may have some prefs herself.
Second is what is she studying as this might also affect what's best for her - whether, for instance, specialist software will be helpful
Always tempting to look for cheapest price, but consider total costs of ownership - especially if it is to last 3years. As a 'for instance' - a windows PC will definitely need good anti-virus, and whilst the free options. such as AVG are (in my view) better than the paid options students have a knack for evading them. A virus infected PC can be a black hole for time. Not generally an issue with Macs.
Lastly, at least get her to use Dropbox, or similar to back-up coursework etc. I'd also suggest worth investing in a portable external drive for similar reasons.

Posted By: Tressells Broadbrush, Aug 18, 12:23:09