Once you choose Mac, you never go back!

I would suggest sticking with the operating system he already knows (Windows vs Apple). Either system is good for vision loss accessibility. Just go with what works for him.

Also, if you’re going with a windows laptop, and if he needs screen reading software (JAWS or NVDA), be sure to get a full keyboard with a number pad. If he does not need a talking computer, go with his preference.

Personally, I have loved my ASUS laptops. They tend to have good battery life and functional life. Dell tends to work well since it’s the standard issue for the VA. If there is a brand you prefer, that’s ok too.

Mac has great built in accessibility and so you don’t have to deal with things like zoom text being a pain.

First, glaucoma isn't a stable condition. You need to consider that his vision will change. What features foes his current system have? How does he interact with it? Laptops aren't as flexible as desktops on terms of moving parts around for ease of accessibility. You may need to look into an additional keuboard/mouse so he can use them comfortably while having the screen where he can see it. Backlighting, resolution and screen type are also considerations. All this will change if his vision OR the environment he's using the laptop in change from what he's used to at home. I know you want to surprise him, but you might have to do so by surprising him with a trip to best buy or a gift cert he can use on a laptop he's checked out himself.

Basuc recs? Go heavy on RAM. A LOT of RAM. My pc has 16G and I'm trepudatious. Go higher end on processors and graphics cards, too. He'll be using accessibility software on top of whatever apps he's using for school. That takes power and space to do well. I saw good things from gaming systems for these reasons. (I will note that the resolution and sizing of screen displays WILL need tweaking. My 4k screen is at 350% enlargement so I can see it.). I eventually bought an Alienware pc and dearly love her. If I'd gotten a laptop, I'd still have neededouse/keyboard/screen in order to use it.

You're a very sweet offspring for wanting to help your dad achieve his goals. Good luck to you both!

If he still has some vision and magnification helps, you might want to consider ZoomText Fusion, which combines magnification with JAWS. This program only works on PCs. It is a little pricey but I definitely think it is worth the cost. There might also be state or federal agencies that can help with funding.

If windows any will do and just get zoom text or some sort of magnification software.

I really encourage a mac though. It’s a bit more expensive but the screen reader is in built the text size and magnification is all in there. NO aditional software needed You don’t have to pay the crazy prices which is why I switched everything mostly in here is apple from ipads to macs. And I have one Pc but because the state of California is not going to get me a mac don’t even think about that hahaha! The government works with microsoft more. So I have a windows computer floating around here. The updates you have to pay for or once in a while buy another version because that version is now old, Nope not with mac, it is free to update and the screen reading and also magnification comes for absolutely 0 bugs so If his eye sight fails he uses magnification now you have to download nvda or buy jaws. Not so much with macs just turn on voice over. Haha!

One thing that I got on my new laptop that makes a huge difference is a backlit keyboard. It helps me see the keys a lot better.

I have a Dell Inspiron with a 17.3" screen. It's a bit bigger to haul around, but at least I can halfway see it.

I find that Windows 10 has a great magnifying feature built into it, I rarely have to use Zoomtext, I used that mostly for the built in screen reader.

What is his vision in his right eye?