[USA 14" <$1500] Business/Programming - Dual Boot

Hello,

Really could use assistance. Looking for a laptop rec. Would like to spend as little as I have to.

Prefer about 14", weight and durability is a factor (I travel quite a bit). Will be dual boot (windows + ubutu).

I looked at lenovos,the T440s and E440. I built a couple on the lenovo site. Upgrade RAM, selected ssd. A few questions as well:

Is the i5 4300U worth the extra $100 over the i54200u?

I kinda liked the E440 (optical drive + ethernet) but the weight is a turn off as is the limit to 128gb ssd.

I will be using this for general personal use as well (movies, music etc). plan on using a docking station and projector to cover home and media needs.

I was hoping to get rec for other brands. I've been on a mac for the past couple of years and havent bought a laptop in a long time.

I am also not married to an intel chip as I think the amd quads are fine (please correct me if I am wrong- havent kept up with hardware.

Thanks for your help.