Student Laptop Shopping/Researching (RIP Z61t) recs?

[jmango]

Unfortunately, I need to replace my Z61t (9442-89U w/ 2gb ram,500GB 7200rpm hdd) so Im starting the research process. The specs had served me well for my purposes (basic use)- though I was going to max out the ram this summer.

I'm having a bit of trouble, because I want to noticibly reduce the amt of weight of the machine (z61t with 7 cell and adapter ~5lbs?) but after a stroll through best buy, I've found that even a reduction to 13.3" feels too small for me- so a 14in thin/light it is- but there seem to be very few choices? I dont "need" anything top of the line, just want something fast for my needs.

My Usage pattern (aka dirty little secrets)
-I almost never turn off my computer. "Sleep" sure, restart after updates, but VERY rarely turn off. (is this horrible?...yikes)
-will carry back and forth to the library, and travel with it abroad (equator)- (plus, im a 5ft tall weakling)- i want to carry in it a shoulder bag- rather than a backpack like I do now (airports train etc). ~4lbs or less?

Tasks (open all at once)
-Microsoft office- word doc editing, excel, powerpoint
-web browsing (2-3 open widows, 10-15 tabs each),
-pandora/itunes
-video streaming (hulu and the like)

Characteristics
1)High Build Quality/durability/reliability
2) ~4lbs or less, 14in
3)optical drive not necessary
4) SD card slot (if possible)
5) screen- honestly not sure- I am fine with what I have now (1440x900)- people say glossy screens are annoying though- I have no first hand experience
6) some type of warranty support w/ accidental protection- which i am fine with adding on/extending later (This killed a $736 t410s Lenovo outlet purchase for me- 1 year without possibility of extension!!!!!!! wail.........) I am not computer savvy at all, so I need warranty support.
7) absolutely fine with refurb/redistrib/old stock as long as I can extend warranty
Have no idea what processors/speeds to consider at all for my purposes- need help on this one- how old should I go? do the culv ones feel too slow- or do the numbers not tell the whole story?

Currently under consideration:
-Asus- UL line, U series, PL series, B34 (business line- heavy though)
-t400s/t410s (does this have a nice palm rest/body or plasticky one (like my z61t)?...liked the one I felt on the x100e...smooth.....and i hear the x300/301 have the a nicer chassis coating?)
-Hp Elitebook - heavy

Basically- I have never seen a consumer machine that I liked ($2000 vaios aside) I hate anything that feels cheap/super glossy. Parents are paying (x-mas gift) but dont want to go overboard- thinking $700- $1000 range with option for a good warranty if possible (w/accidental protection), or one that I can extend as the years go on if not long enough to begin with. (btw, anyone have any experience with squaretrade?)

any recs for models to consider? or general advice? thanks so much!

[emtee3511]

Why to you have to replace your Z61t?

[lead_org]

check outlet.lenovo.com to see whether there are any machines that meet your fancy.

[jmango]

check outlet.lenovo.com to see whether there are any machines that meet your fancy.

I don't want buy from the outlet b/c of the lack of extendable warranty. (That info is buried in my original post....ill think about shortening it I was thinking of perhaps getting a squaretrade warranty instead- does this sound like a good idea? I have no experience with squaretrade.

As for my Z61t.......it has jungle rot.....so the countdown has begun.