Help Wanted: Choosing a Laptop

I want to buy a gaming rig, but I also want a laptop for other needs, but I don't know where to start, so here I am. With that being said, here is a list of information that will be useful, so you can choose the best laptop:

-I don't want to spend over $1,000 for the laptop.
-I don't have a preference, though anything above 13".
-I don't know anything about this, so something basic, but not crappy.
-I want 8+ hours of battery life.
-I'll be using the laptop for Internet, music, chat (not in any specific order of importance).
-I want the laptop to have at least 250GB of HDD.
-I want this laptop to last a very long time.
-I want a durable, good-quality laptop with long battery life, doesn't over-heat too much and is affordable.
-I'm from the USA, just in case you need to know that.

If there's more info that you need, let me know, and I'll think of something else to add for you.

I ever heard of XoticPC before. Do you mind telling me about that company?