[DoubleF]

The Lenovo linked looks good. You should jump on it.

Consider installing a SSD or hybrid drive on your own if the option doesn't exist on a decent laptop. I believe it's cheaper and you get to choose your own options. You just need a windows installation disc, which I'm sure you can probably borrow (or grab an iso). The key to use will be on the bottom of the laptop. I know that Lenovo (not too sure who else off the top of my head) allows for you to do such a thing without voiding the warranty. My own belief has always been that if I do send in the laptop for repairs (via warranty) to swap the original HDD back in and everything should be fine. Windows 7 and 8 are super easy with drivers, so after initially installing the OS, everything else is generally pretty easy from there even for someone doing it for the first time. It's also nice to do a clean install so that you don't have to deal with crap programs. Additional drivers are on the Manufacturer website, so if an acceptable driver isn't installed via windows update it's never really a huge issue.

Pay attention to the keyboard. I know some people love grabbing the keyboard with the numpad (because it's free). DON'T DO IT. It's generally a terrible keyboard with weird extra backslashes that get in the way of the left shift key and the enter button. Highly frustrating to have to constantly fix your typing. Go to Bestbuy or Futureshop and try typing with one of those Canadian -French Keyboards (the red or green letters on the side) to know what I mean. The seconday numpad is a pain in the ass to figure out how to turn it off too when you accidentally do (I personally delete the French keyboard layout from the default and with only the USA keyboard, I can't accidentally swap keyboard and start typing crazy crap).

I personally buy business grade laptop vs commercial grade ones (specific lines from companies). Sony is the S or Z series, HP is the probook and elitebook series, Lenovo is the X or T and Toshiba I think is the Tecra. I avoid Dell, but their business line I think is the XPS. I have never lost any of these laptops with annual maintenance (defragging, cookie cleaning and a burst of air to get dust out of the fans). They may cost a little more, but if it lasts 5 years and is a pleasure to use, it's worth it (IMO) in comparison to a laptop I will replace in 2-3 years and hate the feeling of the laptop.

The Y410 linked looks pretty good. Budget another $100-150 for a good 240GB SSD (I suggest Kingston, Intel, Sandisk or Samsung if you're new at it) and you're probably good (less funky bugs and issues). A hybrid drive might be a good alternative too. I have the older Y series, hated it because of the keyboard, but have to admit it was a pretty decent laptop. This new Y series looks good too and I wonder if it rivals the business grade laptops.