Laptop for general use, programming and maybe some gaming

[Marvin]

So, I'm uneducated in the world of laptops really, but would like a smallish (15" and below) laptop that's going to be taken with me to uni every day, while my desktop is at home for when I get back. It'll be used for programming, some general stuff (internet surfing, writing up Word documents etc), and maybe some light COD4 or whatever with mates.

So, requirements:
-Small to medium size
-Fair battery life
-2.5" slot for SSD (replace current HDD)
-quick-ish dual core or quad
-Fair graphics (so a 5450 or something?)
-Not too pricy

Can it be done?

 

[Marvin]

I see where you're coming from, and I've had a look at your suggestions.

The gaming part I guess isn't that important, but I would like to be able to play older games, as I won't have my desktop with me.

I'll keep searching...

 

[Marvin]

They are really nice I have to say. Just seeing whether I can get my hands on a Vaio that's grabbed my attention for £530. It's refurb, but I'm not too bothered.

 

[Marvin]

Yeah, I just found out about that.

Laptops are a minefield it appears. I saw some Acers which advertised x hour battery life with the 8-cell battery, but the weight with a 4-cell. (8 cell is the standard), how can they get away with this?

Anyway, my hunt is over, found an Alienware M11X for a decent price - it's the ULV model, and considering the Optimus, it has the ability to have good battery life, it doesn't weigh too much, and is only 11". Suits me fine .

Thanks for your help Olivier.

 

[Marvin]

Agree on that. This was the best compromise for what I wanted though.

There is a huge gap in the market for powerful smaller laptops. Basically the M11X. That's it...