Postdoc needs a laptop for work at home, Netflix, and conferences

1) What is your budget?

$500 - $1000 (lower is better)

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Thin and light, please. Smaller is better than bigger.

3) Where will you buying this notebook?

USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Have had good luck with IBM/Lenovo, but not too loyal.

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

Hell yes.

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

Powerpointing, word processing, Netflix, and a tiny bit of MATLAB and gaming.

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?

Mostly at home, plus some conferences and presentations.

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?

A bit, but nothing more demanding than XCOM.

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?

At least 4.

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?

No problem buying online if I can return it.

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Windows 7 or XP

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer?

1280-by-800 or more

13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?

Either

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

Sleek is nice, but not essential

15) When are you buying this laptop?

Now

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?

Forever to 3 years

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

> 100 GB would be great

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

Yes, if possible

VGA out is a big plus

Thanks!