Laptop for CS/CE student

[alisonc]

What is your budget?
1400$

What country will you be buying this in?
USA (Michigan)

What size notebook do you prefer?
15" preferred, if I got a 17" I would have to get a new backpack too

Would you consider a refurbished laptop?
Maybe (only if available with 3 year warranty)

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Programming, virtual machines (will upgrade RAM to 16GB), driving one or two external monitors

Where will you be using this laptop?
Will be used different places and Will stay on desk

How many hours of battery life do you need?
Over 9000

Will you be buying online or in store?
either; preferred B&M store is Micro Center

Which OS do you prefer?
Windows 7 or Linux

List the screen resolutions that interest you:
1920x1080. None of that 1366x768 CRAP!

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

Is the laptops design important to you?
Yes

Approximately what date will you be buying this laptop?
Around 06/01/2012

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

How much storage capacity do you need?
1 TB+

Are you interested in SSD for storage?
Yes

Do you want a built-in optical drive, what type?
I'd replace it with another HDD

I'm currently considering: Thinkpad W520, HP Envy 17, MBP 15", Sony Vaio F