notebook for programming to be used at least for 2 years

Greetings
I am planning to buy a notebook to be used throughout my master education (computer science), I probably will not have a chance to upgrade it or buy a new one.
So I am looking for a fast-working and a solid laptop since I will carry it with me all the time

General Questions

1) What is your budget?
No more than $900
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
d.
Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a.
Like: Sony, ASUS, HP
b.
Dislike: Toshiba (just because of rumors and past expericences, actually no idea about new models) DELL, ACER

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
No
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Programming.
Currently I am using VS and MS-SQL but I don't know what I'll be needing so I want a system that works fast under anyworkload
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
both
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
Sims, Football Manager at most, not a real gamer .
But I may want to watch a 1080p movie so I don't know whether Intel HD will be enough or not
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours at least
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
I'll buy it online
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows 7
Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level.
Everyone is different.
Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read.
If you are unsure of what to purchase, we would highly recommend you check some notebook screens before you buy to see what you like.
You may also wish to take a look at the notebook screen guide for more information.

* Standard Resolutions: WXGA, HD, 720p
* Actual resolutions: 1280x800 and 1366x768
* Offered on larger Netbooks and Notebooks up to 16"
* Lower resolution screens offer big text and icons that are easy to read.
Less stuff fits on the screen, which translates into more scrolling.
Multiple windows can be worked with, though they may have to overlap some.
* Midrange Resolutions: WXGA+, HD+, 900p
* Actual resolutions: 1440x900 and 1600x900

* Maximum Resolutions: WSXGA+, WUXGA, FHD, 1080p
* Actual resolutions: 1680x1050, 1920x1200 and 1920x1080
*
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Note really
15) When are you buying this laptop?
Within a few days
16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
2-3 years
Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
500 is sufficient
18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
Not really important


I had a few options
Amazon.com: Sony VAIO VPC-EB37FX/BJ 15.5-Inch Laptop (Black): Computer & Accessories

I heard vaio's are pretty good for long term use with high quality and do not need fixing (by service) much often.
But I am not sure whether i5 will be enough or not.
also wondering if intel hd is enough for 1080 p movies ?

Amazon.com: Lenovo IdeaPad Y560 Series 064654U 15.6-Inch Laptop (Grey): Computer & Accessories

looks like a monster with its i7 processor.
also has a dedicated ati radeon display adapter.
but I am doubtful about lenovo and the laptop is new so cannot find any feedback.
I don't want to be wandering around services after a month I purchased my laptop.


Amazon.com: HP Pavilion dv6-3150us 15.6-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 4.5 Hours of Battery Life (Argento): Computer & Accessories
looks pretty good.
but do not know if i5 will be enough.
still an option.


Amazon.com: Toshiba Satellite L655-S5112 15.6-Inch LED Laptop (Fusion Finish in Helios Black): Computer & Accessories
toshiba.
cheaper than others but I had problematic cases with toshiba so not quite sure about it.