Potential laptop for graduate school

[tbweems]

I haven't lurked these threads in a long time, and sadly, I've gotten out of the hardware loop lately. I'm a little overwhelmed by how much new hardware is on the market, so if you kind folks can point me in a couple of directions, I'll continue to do my homework!

I'm entering grad school, and will be doing research that involves some time-consuming computations. My professor provided me a desktop with a Core 2 Quad (3 ghz) (~3 hours per run), but I absolutely hate working in the dungeon where it's located and I travel a fair amount. So if I can find the right power/pricepoint, I'd like a better work laptop, but it's not necessary. I can make myself happy with what I have!

Anyway, I have an ASUS Ul30A that I'm fond of, except for the slow number-crunching capabilities, and the plastic that's literally falling apart! The most important things to me are:
-Processor
-SOLID BUILD QUALITY
-Quality keyboard (thesis, anyone?)
-A screen res higher than 720p would be AWESOME (truly don't know what 15" laptops out there have a higher res screen...help?)
-Number pad if it's in the 15" range
-A nice-looking notebook isn't a bad thing

-I really like Thinkpads. Ideapads have great specs for the price, but is the build quality up to the Thinkpad/Probook standard?

-Also, I used to think Acer products were fairly flimsy, but a distant friend of mine got a Timeline and swears that it's the greatest thing since semiconductors. True story? The specs he got for the price was incredible.

Thanks!

What is your budget?
~1000 U.S.

What country will you be buying this in?
U.S.

What size notebook do you prefer?
Thin and Light (13 - 14-inch screen)
Mainstream (15 - 16-inch screen)

What brands do you like or dislike?
Like: Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Probook
Dislike: Toshiba, HP Pavilion

Would you consider a refurbished laptop?
Yes ABSOLUTELY

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Web Surfing, Office and Productivity Software, Listening to Music, Computer Programming, Output Video to TV or Large Monitor, NO gaming

Where will you be using this laptop?
Will be used different places

How many hours of battery life do you need?
I'm spoiled, At least 5 under light usage

Will you be buying online or in store?
online

Which OS do you prefer?
Windows 7

List the screen resolutions that interest you:
High Resolution (1600 x 900)
Max Resolution (1920 x 1080)

Do you prefer a glossy or matte screen?
Glossy or Matte is fine

Is the laptops design important to you?
Yes

How long do you want this laptop to last?
3-4 years

How much storage capacity do you need?
Doesn't matter

Are you interested in SSD for storage?
Yes

Do you want a built-in optical drive, what type?
No

[mmmangoes]

Im sure the experts here will chime in about specs + other models (do you need a workstation level gpu, for example?) but here are some 15in models to start with

-Thinkpad T520 w/ 1080p screen option (though you like thinkpads, the 15 models with quad core avail. do not have built in number pads)
-Dell Latitude e6520 w/ 1080p screen option (best prices are in the dell outlet)
-Dell Precision M4600 from dell outlet

For a limited time only while supplies last, save 25% on all Dell Outlet Dell Precision M4600 laptops! Coupon code: 1CPFP15F$JS330

[Rykoshet]

The Dell is GREAT for everything you mentioned, but the speakers are SMALL!!!

I think it's a software restriction, as breakaway audio enhancer can boost them...if Dell releases firmware to push it higher it would make the laptop.

[tbweems]

Good suggestions! For some reason, I had forgotten to look at Dell's Workstations. I had a studio model at one point that had the best keyboard I've ever used, so I'll give those serious consideration. Ryko, after looking at your sig, maybe we should take this over to the Marketplace. :P j/k.

WHY oh WHY would the i7 models of the T520 not have built in number pads? That makes no sense to me. After doing some looking, I haven't seen ANY T520's with a number pad...?

The more I think about it, the more attracted I am to the X220. Ultimately, I'll just have to decide between screen resolution and form factor! Oh, the decisions. Choosing where to go to college was easier than picking a laptop!

Thanks for the replies!