Need a laptop for work and mid level gaming.

So I'm in the market for a laptop for work. So battery life and productivity come first with gaming secondary. I have a pretty decent budget 1.8k USD or under. But I am having a HELL of a time settling on a model. I've specd out a few on both HP and Lenovos website. But I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.

So I need brand/model recommendations. I was going to go with ASUS but I've heard bad things about the zephyrus line. In regards to thermals and just build quality for there 2025 models.

So then I was on HP's website and they have the Omen max on "door buster" sale for back to school. But then again same thing all the reviews say the battery is MAX 3 hours not gaming under normal load. Which is unacceptable for my needs as well as being on the heavier side......

I was thinking the Acer predator Helios but all the reviews I've read/watched have shown the laptop to be horrible with battery life, build quality, and thermals. So that's off the table.

Dell XPS/alien wares are both above my budget.

Same with the razer blade.

So besides MSI and gigabyte what brands/models are left ?

Lol help me spend my money LMAO