Recommended laptops
Gehenna,
I imagine (you state you are a student) your primary use will be research and report writing and you probably will be carting the machine around a fair bit.
Even the entry level MacBook is almost £300 over your budget and I wouldn't recommend them in terms of reliability anyway (I've had some very expensive experiences with out of warranty Mac's including a £500 repair for a 'backlight' on a Powerbook!). I have just bought an Air though and it is a seriously nice piece of kit, albeit expensive.
I would go for a Toshiba or an Acer at around £400/450. Robust machines that should serve you well.
Regards,
Eagle402.