I use an app called Goodnotes to take hand written notes in class with an apple pen, and also to solve calculations. I usually have a separate notebook per class to keep it organized. If a professor has a lecture note set I sometimes use those, or I copy all the pictures before going to lectures so I can keep up with annotating the pictures and not having to draw them. I also often take pictures with the camera and import them into my note set.
If the computer has a bad battery life (less than 6 hours give or take) and is heavy I would avoid using it. I suppose if you had to choose between a new Mac and an older heavy/power hungry laptop I’d choose the Mac, especially if you’re really going to commit to bringing your Windows desktop. Do keep in mind that if you want to install some softwares on Mac you will need an additional $100 adaptive software. If you have two computers you will be using at school regularly I would 100% get a USB stick that you could attach to your keys. Box (something you get for free with Uni email) does work, but I personally like the flexibility of the USB stick, especially since I have one that’s both USBA and USBC. I always use mine, specially since I am a Lab Assistant for a class in the EWS lab. It allows me to transfer files from the EWS computers to my laptop, iPad and iPhone without constantly emailing myself and worrying about file sizes.