Laptop for Work (possibly gaming)

I've built a couple desktops over the last four years, but I have no idea where to even begin with a laptop. I plan to mostly use it for developing software, sound editing/mixing (ableton live), web design, Photoshop, maybe some light video editing, and possibly some gaming ( I would preferably like it to run hl2 semi-smooth as I do some work with the source sdk). So I've come here for help...


1_What is your budget?
900-1000 USD

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Any size will do

3_What screen resolution do you want?
1280x1024

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
not really sure here. I have a desktop that runs great, I just now need a laptop to carry around with me for work on the go.

5_How much battery life do you need?
Nothing super, but a decent amount

6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
Half-Life 2 with medium-low settings

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing, surfing the web, playing music, watching movies, Etc.)
all that I listed above. Photo / Video / Audio editing. Web Browsing. Software Editing

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
120-160GB will be ample

9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post the links to them.


10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
2-4 years

11_If you would like to mention some other things about purchasing your ideal laptop, post them.
I would like it to be durable, as I'm kinda clumzy. This isn't very relevant though.

12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
no preference.

13_What country do you live in?
United States

My vote goes for DELL VOSTRO 1510 and XPS M1530.