Recommend me a laptop with these requirements...

[Bulldog13]

Hello all!

I am looking for a laptop that possesses the following characteristics:

6+ hour battery life (the more the merrier)
15-16"
Performance oriented enough for 2D ish strategy games (Europa Universalis 3, Civ 4)
Some type of display that deals well with sun/glare (not sure if this is even possible)
Durable

I will be using it for programming and light gaming. I need a stronger battery because my intention is to use it at the pool/beach this summer and I have a translatlantic flight also this year. I don't want to go any smaller than 15" b/c I do coding.

Any advice?

 

[CurseTheSky]

The UL50Vt is one option. It's not ideal, but definitely worth a look. They're already getting a bit long in the tooth, so you should be able to pick them up really cheap ($600 or so).

Other than that, 6+ hours of battery life and durable are the only requirements that are going to narrow your selection. HP is coming out with the Envy 14 (hopefully) in a week, which is looking like a smash hit. It's $1000+ though. Dell should also have some models that fit your description, and look to their business lines (Lattitude specifically) if you want something more durable. I don't know about their Studio line, but based on my personal experiences, I'd never buy an Inspiron.

 

[Decembermouse]

Pavilion dm3z series:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...le/dm3z_series

Smaller than 15" though is the only thing, but 7 hours of battery life and an igp that will handle some light gaming etc. Good price.

Note: you can customize these with N or P series processors. The N's all have a 35W TDP. The P's are 25W. Not as low as an Intel Atom as these are not netbooks, but they aren't power hogs.