Any deals you guys know of on some laptops in the $750-$1000 range?

I love my desktop, but I'll be migrating to a laptop (to be used for both work and personal). My biggest pet peeve with laptops is they're almost always slower than desktops, and I don't want to spend $2000 on a laptop that will match my desktop.

Long story short, I'm basically looking for a laptop with:

- A decent sized screen
- Won't be used for gaming, but certainly want something long-lasting/quick
- A great heating system with a decent battery life, as this laptop will be used A LOT

In other words, something that will last for at least 2 years and not be like your run-of-the-mill laptop that is barely useable.

Modern laptops are great performers and don't run very hot. Use a cooling pad to keep the laptop as cool as possible.

What do you consider to be 'decent sized' screen?

I'd highly recommend a Lenovo T520. They just released the T530's, so the 520s are now selling at a discount in the Lenovo Outlet [lenovo.com]. You can get a pretty solid i7 setup for under $1k, and these machines will easily last 4-5 years under pretty heavy use.

The T520 is a 15" display - if you like something lighter, look at the T420 - same machine but with a 14" screen.

Quote from Trey88 : In other words, something that will last for at least 2 years and not be like your run-of-the-mill laptop that is barely useable.

Another Thumps Up for the Refurb. T520. Be sure to use a laptop stand if dust is an issue.