A “normie” would only need an M1 MacBook Air and that will be good for 10 years. I am using a 2015 MacBook Air, and since I only browse/do basic spreadsheet stuff/pdf things, it still works fine.
If you need anything more than a Macbook Air, you are not a “normie”, and should be capable of doing better research before you buy.
Our definitions of normie are probably different, because there is definitely university work that requires performance that “normal” (majority) of people will never need.
If you need anything more than a Macbook Air, you are not a “normie”, and should be capable of doing better research before you buy.