What would you pick for <1k , 13.3-14" for a non gamer

[thespeakerbox]

I've already got a mbp, but the battery is starting to get really hot and i'm a bit over the "simple, easy to use OS"

I up and around most of the day and dont like coming home to a desk. I want to use this laptop to do remote access, business programs, and some light cad review work (no heavy use drawing done)

My main issue is battery life and things staying cool. I dont want to be plugged into the wall or need a laptop cooler. What would you guys recommend?


I'm kind of stuck between an ultrabook from Asus or Acer or maybe even trying an Alienware m14x. They are two different beasts but both are still neat toys. I already tried moving most of my work over to my ipad2, but it just cant do everything.

 

[Zap]

How about one of those Lenovo notebooks with secondary battery? You can seriously go all day on battery and just charge it overnight. Check out the 12.5" Thinkpad X220, with "up to 23 hours" using the optional slice battery, or 15 hours with the optional ($30 more) 9 cell battery.

 

[Anteaus]

Lenovo T series hands down. They don't necessarily have the best screens, but they are rock solid machines and run cool unless your pushing 3D. I can get 3-4.5 hours easy on my T420 with stock battery.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I will second the ThinkPad x220. It has incredible battery life with the 9 cell. Be sure to get the Premium LCD screen upgrade since it is a IPS panel and well worth the slight price increase.

 

[biostud]

I like my HP 6360b probook

 

[Bill Brasky]

Just make sure it has a sandy bridge cpu and that will take care of most of your requirements.

 

[corkyg]

You can also carry a spare battery in your laptop case.