Need Help Finding a Laptop

You can't expect to run a high power video card and powerful CPU on battery power for even 2.5hrs. That 2.5hr rating will be at on a 'balanced' profile.
You'll want to definitely look into a spare battery, or a more powerful primary battery (9 cell vs 6 cell, for example).

ASUS N61JQ-X1 $1,050CAD
Core i7 720QM(1.6GHz) / 4GB DDR3 / 320GB HDD / Radeon HD 5730 16" 1366x768 LCD

ASUS G Series G51JX-X1 $1400
Core i7 720QM(1.6GHz) / 4GB DDR3 / 500GB HDD / GeForce GTS 360M 15.6" 1920 x 1080 LCD
ASUS G Series G51JX website

I second the Asus N61JQ, as it is a very powerful laptop with high end hardware, as well as a good baterry life due to nVidia Optimus technology.

And it is very ergonomic due to its chiclet keyboard, multitouch trackpad, and USB 3.0 (which is up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0)

I would like to ask what screen size you prefer, and what brands you have trouble with.

Thanks for the responses so far!
To answer your questions Tunafish, some thing around 15" would be good I think. And I just don't want an Apple. I want a laptop from a credible company meaning good design and durability.
I understand that I can't do much gaming without the power adapter plugged in, I'm more looking at longevity through classes where Word and Firefox will likely be the only ones running.
That N61JQ-X1 looks pretty appealing. I also found a step up, the N71JQ-X1 which has better resolution, bigger hard drive.
Is the extra $250 worth it?
Also, does anyone know the battery life for the N61JQ-X1 on savings or balanced mode?
Another idea, should I just wait until summer to buy it? It's not essential right now and I'm thinking newer components will come out making today's tech cheaper and dx 11 will be more mainstream.

Always wait if you can. A few months could do you a world of good. You can A) get more time and opportunities to gather info - I'd suggest trying to find a store where you can play around w/ a few models - and B) prices will inevitably drop.

For example, I've been looking at getting a laptop since Dec of last year, but it hasn't been a necessity. I've happily watched my original candidate laptop go obsolete and get replaced, price-wise, with something that has an i-core cpu.

go to asus or alienware

hai this is better to purchase a new laptop from laptopsandparts4less.com website. they provide best laptops at best prices. i am also looking a new laptop from there only.

best regards,

You do realise that every laptop they have listed on that site is old, outdated and overpriced? Seriously, an HP DV9700 with an 8600M GS for $1900? Don't make me laugh.

Not to mention they don't offer any upgrade options, Windows Vista or 7, or any machine other than Dell or HP?

If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a scam site.  

Spam;
and possibly a rip-off. The business address is someone's home. aka as http://www.nbbatt.com.

Why don't u try other website's naaptol.com , indiamart.com etc....