Shopping for a fast, light, affordable laptop for college

[cestlecutee]

Hi all, I'm new here and need some advises from the professionals~~I have been shopping around major PC makers these days, trying to do some homework to get updated about the current development, since I have been using my Dell XPS for over five years and thinking about a new one.

I'm now looking at ThinkPad X220, help me decide~~

Four key features I think I need to include in my new laptop:
(1) Processor: I feel I need a 3rd gen i5. Maybe i5-3320 is most affordable for me. But when deals come, I don't mind to catch up with the lastest technologies!~LOL
(2) Wifi card: Intel Centrino 6300 is a must, because I strongly rely on Wifi connections. The 3x3 design of 6300 make it probably fastest now.
(3) Battery: I really need a long-life battery. The major reason I feel tired of my five-year-old Dell XPS is that its battery finally failed. Therefore, I'm looking at 9-cell battery or at least 6-cell battery when 9-cell one is not applicable. And I might need a 3-4 year warranty on battery only.~
(4) Weight: this is what really matters. I hope it to be around 3.5 lbs. And NO MORE THAN 4.5 lbs.

Some features I don't need at all, though others might think worth the money:
(1) Hard Drive: I heard a lot about how fast a SSD can be. I'm eager to have a try. But in some models where SSD is not applicable or too expensive, I would rather take the minimum GB of HDD, since I got a lot of removable HDD in hand. And I heard that I can add a large enough SSD via mSATA, though I didn't figure out how~
(2) Memory: I don't need too many memory so far. Only one 4G memory need to be installed, leaving the other slot empty for future needs.
(3) OS: I don't need OS pre-installed. Linux acceptable. I have a couple of genuine Windows OS in hand. But for most of the models, I might have to surrender and choose Win7 Home Premium to minimize the unnecessary costs.
(4) Optical Drive: I don't think I need to load any CD/DVD at all. Therefore, whatever model that include an optical drive annoys me. But the ultra-bay options provided for some models seem too expensive? Need advises.
(5) Graphic Display: I'm not a gamer, and do not handle graphical work frequently. Therefore, the display is not what I want to focus on.
(6) Camera: I don't need this either, though many think it is a necessity.
(7) Mobile Thethering & Bluetooth, etc: I don't need these at all. And I don't want to add these to sacrifice the mSATA slot.~~

Other considerations and constraints:
(1) Size: the dimensions are not what I care about. Therefore, it doesn't need to be an ultrabook. the screen size can be 12" to 15".
(2) Style/Color/Keyboard, etc: I don't care what it looks like, as long as it doesn't disgust the world.
(3) Heat/Energy saving: I hope my laptop to be eco-friendly, and won't hurt my balls for over-heating. ;p
(4) Price: I'm looking for an affordable student discount price. Based on the features that I require, I think a model with all the above options and around $900 is what I am looking for.

Brands and Models that I have been looking at:
(1) Apple: MBA / MBP, they seem too expensive for new. But I can accept refurbished ones if the models qualify my needs.
(2) Lenovo: Thinkpad preferred. X230 preferred. Other series are also acceptable. As for Ideapad series, feel free to advice me to any model that qualifies all my needs with a price looks like a perfect deal~
(3) HP: Folio and ENVY series looks good. But they tend to ignore my strong need of Wifi speed. And it is currently overpriced.
(4) Dell: XPS series looks good. And I have been using Dell for a long time. But it is currently overpriced as well.
(5) Sony: VAIO has a great deal now -- a free PS3 for any laptop purchase -- but I'm afraid I cannot sell the PS3 at favored price and I have to pay ebay tax ;(
(6) Samsung/Toshiba/Acer/Asus/etc: They all have some models that meet some of my needs. But I'm confused when looking at their websites; hard to find what I want.

Finally, few words to describe how I use laptops usually:
(1) Not a fan of gaming at all. Therefore, graphics and highest processors are not necessary for me.
(2) Daily Internet surfing is the major thing I will do with my laptop. Therefore, Wifi is what I emphasize most. Also, I hope it would be light and portable, with long-lasting battery.
(3) Large data computing and programming. My major forces me to look for a faster computer. That's why I feel I still need a fast enough processor, as well as capacity to add more memory.

Feel free to comment on any part of my descriptions.
Most welcome to give me an insightful brand & model suggestions!!
And I'd appreciate if you notify me of any great deals pop up on any maker's website~~

Thanks in advance!

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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
around $900. or Max $1100 after tax ;(
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
12"-15"
3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
US.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Neutral to any brand.
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
Acceptable if qualifies all my requirements.
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Daily internet surfing + Programming & Large data computing
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Yes, I will carry it all the time.
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
Not at all!! No gaming!
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
at least 7 hours. 12 hours preferred.
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?
Nah, it depends. I don't need to see it, as long as the website provides enough pictures, or there exist enough video reviews online.
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
No OS pre-installed is best for me. Linux/MacOS acceptable. I've got lots of Windows copies.
Screen Specifics
12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer?
I don't care much about resolution. 1024x768 is a minimum, though.
13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?
Either one. I don't care.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not important at all, as long as it is light-weighted.
15) When are you buying this laptop?
From today to October, I will wait patiently for great summer or back-to-school deal appears!
16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
At least 3-4 years.
Notebook Components
17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
128G+ SSD preferred. if I have to choose among HDDs, I will pick the minimum to minimize cost.
18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner?
No!! Having an Optical Drive option itself is annoying!
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[mariol90]

the thinkpad X230 looks like it would work for you, plus you could add an IPS screen if you wanted. another option would be the T430 if you wanted a larger screen. the optical drive can be replaced with a second hard drive.
both also support mSATA SSDs.

[cestlecutee]

the thinkpad X230 looks like it would work for you, plus you could add an IPS screen if you wanted. another option would be the T430 if you wanted a larger screen. the optical drive can be replaced with a second hard drive.
both also support mSATA SSDs.

Thank you so much!
As for the mSSDs, I don't understand how it works together with HDDs. Since 16GB is so small that might not be able to contain the Windows OS.
Also, what do you think about Edge series. They seem to cover most of my needs and with somehow lower prices maybe due to heavier weights.

[mariol90]

there are larger (and more expensive) SSDs like this one: Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Atlas Series MKNSSDAT240GB-DX mSATA 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
so you won't be stuck with a small 16GB SSD. you could get something like a 64GB or 80GB one. both of those would be large enough to hold windows and some other stuff. it's basically an extra disk drive.
the Edge series are good if you don't mind losing a few features (mainly build quality and specs, although it'd probably still be better than your average consumer laptop) and are on a more strict budget. anything over ~$800 and i'd go with a T430.

[cestlecutee]

there are larger (and more expensive) SSDs like this one: Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Atlas Series MKNSSDAT240GB-DX mSATA 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
so you won't be stuck with a small 16GB SSD. you could get something like a 64GB or 80GB one. both of those would be large enough to hold windows and some other stuff. it's basically an extra disk drive.
the Edge series are good if you don't mind losing a few features (mainly build quality and specs, although it'd probably still be better than your average consumer laptop) and are on a more strict budget. anything over ~$800 and i'd go with a T430.

Thanks for information!!!~
I was confused how PC makers could use a 16GB SSD to enhance the performance of HDD. and it seems that they are using the SD card space to insert the 16GB SSD.....
As for the larger SSDs, do you think it worth to add about $250 to take the SSD option, or take the small HDD option and then buy a large SSD and replace it myself? Hmm.. bad question... Actually, I am just rethinking about my insistence on SSD.
As for Edge series, it indeed has lots of limits and cannot fully meet my needs.

[mariol90]

a small SSD acts as a "cache" so the most frequently accessed files are copied there. it still goes in the mSATA slot so it doesn't take up the SD card space.
personally, i would take the HDD option and add an SSD myself. you won't need to replace the HDD unless you simply don't want one in your computer.

[cestlecutee]

a small SSD acts as a "cache" so the most frequently accessed files are copied there. it still goes in the mSATA slot so it doesn't take up the SD card space.
personally, i would take the HDD option and add an SSD myself. you won't need to replace the HDD unless you simply don't want one in your computer.

Thanks for clarifying and replying so fast~~

One more question, how do I determine whether a model contains mSTAT slot? Where would it be indicated normally?

And thanks for the advices!! Now I only need to wait to hunt for a great deal~ LOL~

[mariol90]

not sure if there's an easy way to do that, but you could do a search for the computer's model and "msata". the T430 and X230 have one.
most new laptops have one, and if it says it comes with a small SSD cache (16GB or something) then it's probably msata. good luck!

[cestlecutee]

not sure if there's an easy way to do that, but you could do a search for the computer's model and "msata". the T430 and X230 have one.
most new laptops have one, and if it says it comes with a small SSD cache (16GB or something) then it's probably msata. good luck!

Awesome! Thanks!!~ Now I can focus on the processor and wifi features, as well as the battery and weight~ lol

BTW.. why did you only mention T430? I think there are very similar models: T430s and T530...

[mariol90]

it's no problem. if you don't mind a larger computer (15.6" screen) the T530 is fine, but it may go over your budget. same with the T430s, but it's slimmer than the T430. both of those have 14" screens.