Student laptop ideas?

[velvetsnow]

I'm a student looking to replace my Dell Inspiron 1525 (old family laptop) with a new one.
I want to get the decision right because I use it ALL the time (it rarely gets turned off)
It needs to:
- Be lightweight (constantly lugging it backwards and forwards to the library)
- Not be too flimsy (I'm a student...)
- Look decent!

and obviously function well (I have no idea on the ins and outs of processors etc etc.)

In terms of budget I don't want to spend loads but I realise it's an important investment seeing as I use it everyday...

And are there any that are particularly good for watching DVDs - wide viewing angle etc?

(and no I don't want a Mac!)

Any suggestions?
Thanks


Sorry I didn't see the form, I'm a bit new at posting etc...
General Questions

1) What is your budget? up to £800

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12” screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
UK

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
-

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
No

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Word processing, internet browsing.

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Both (taking it to the library a lot)

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
No.

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
A few hours, there's generally somewhere to plug it in.

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Prefer to see.

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Windows XP or 7

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. If you are unsure of what to purchase, we would highly recommend you check some notebook screens before you buy to see what you like. You may also wish to take a look at the notebook screen guide for more information.
Don't know!

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Possibly matte if this is better for working outside & viewing films.

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Fairly.

15) When are you buying this laptop?
As soon as possible!

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
As long as possible!

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
I don't know!

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
DVD drive, ability to burn DVDs.

[MrDJ]

could you fill this out to give us a better idea. especially how much your budget is ### What Should I Buy FORM (Must Read Before Posting!) ###

[velvetsnow]

could you fill this out to give us a better idea. especially how much your budget is ### What Should I Buy FORM (Must Read Before Posting!) ###

Sorry, didn't see the form! I've filled it out to the best of my abilities (not knowing much about anything to do with computing...)

[azndrake]

Sounds like you need a Netbook! Get to save 400 pounds too lucky you

Or

Samsung 9 series but thats nearly 1600 dollars. or HP dm1z for 500-600 dollars.
HP dm1z
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/h...fusion-review/
Samsung 9 series
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/s...laptop-review/

[Sxooter]

Also there are some nice 14" and 13" machines from Asus in your price range, like the UL31 or U41 machines.