Just a few questions on a new notebook

I have been researching around on a new notebook all day. I've never had one but lately it has been seeming like a better and better idea.

After hunting around I've largely settled on an HP as the least expensive. I have two builds that I am considering but I'm open to anything from the experts of the forum.

1_What is your budget?
Under $800

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
not small. 15" or better

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
I will be using it in class and at home playing games.

5_How much battery life do you need?
more is better but at least 2 hrs is a must.

6_Games: Normally last years games as those are the ones on sale. It would be nice if it could handle left4dead at medium resolutions.

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop?
Spreadsheets, document editing, image editing, movie watching

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
around 200 gb at least.

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
at least 2 years, perferably longer.

11_If you would like to mention some other things about purchasing your ideal laptop, post them.
I perfer lighter wieght as I'll be carrying it all over but I can live. I'd also perfer it not run too hot but I can buy a vent pad if I must. I'll be using headphones w/ mic so the speakers on it don't matter much. I would perfer rather good quality graphics.

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'm particular to AMD chipsets/cores but I've read that Intel's are normally less power intensive and cooler running.

13_What country do you live in?
America

Compaq Presario CQ60Z customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-85 (2.3GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 4.4 GT's Bus Speed)
4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
NVIDIA GeForce 8200M G
15.6" diagonal High Definition HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv6z customizable Notebook PC
Espresso Black
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
AMD Turion(TM) X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-75 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 Cache)
FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics
16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Thanks for any help you folks can provide.
Dennis A.