Go used find something with a discrete graphics card and profit.
Go out buy a nice SSD or a Hybrid Drive (I just bought one they kick ass)
Max our the ram
replace the battery.
win764bit
you will have a bad ass refurbished laptop for 300-500$
If you need help doing this let me know. Moores law is making new less appealing over refurbing a higher end used business laptop.
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If you want to go new then move up to the 1000$ level of laptop, Your getting a way better machine that will last longer and be way sturdier.
MY new tuning laptop > both of my old tuning laptops