Laptop needed for web developer

I run Ubuntu linux with Windows XP virtualized using VirtualBox (mainly for photoshop). I currently have a Dell Inspiron 6400 with 2GB ram, and it's just not fast enough to run VirtualBox comfortably.

I have been looking at the Dell Studio XPS 16. They recommended that over the Studio 15. I am not sure if the XPS version is worth the money. I am also open to other comparable brands-- I have peeked at Lenovo's selection, but they don't seem to offer near as many options as Dell. Are there other brands I should be considering?

1_What is your budget?
$1500-- but I can go higher if it's worth the money.

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
15.4"-16" widescreen

3_What screen resolution do you want?
Ideally at least 1680x1050, which is what I currently have

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Probably more desktop replacement, but I don't want anything too big I can't lug around to cafés and stuff.

5_How much battery life do you need?
Lots

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)?
No gaming.

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing, surfing the web, playing music, watching movies, Etc.)
Photoshop (on virtualized Windows XP), music, movies, development server, etc.

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
>100GB, 7200RPM (unless there's a good deal on solid state)

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

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
As long as I can have a full warranty on it. With Dell that would be 5 years.

11_If you would like to mention some other things about purchasing your ideal laptop, post them.

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.
I have been loyal to Dell-- maybe too loyal. Am open to comparable brands.

13_What country do you live in?
US