New Laptop..Choices Choices

Hello TSF,

So yea, like the title says, i am in the market for a new lappy.

Problem is, all the choices get my head spinning when i start browsing.

1.Budget: say 1300$(tho would like to keep it 1k or under)

2.Screen: nothing smaller then 15" and no larger then 17.3"

3.Brands: any, tho i must say i am a bit apprehensive about non box brands.

4.Mobility: non issue, i have power ports everywhere i go.

5.Durability: would love to get a couple years use out of it,no hiking w/ it tho

6.Multitasking: Game,Browser,Media Player,Note Pad, is common for me

7.Gaming: yes,Skyrim for example,perhaps a mmo or two

8.Calculations:not really anything beyond file compression/formatting

9.Storage:500-750GB

10.Optical: yes,DVD Combo

11.O.S: Win7

The issue i been getting stuck on the most is the vid card..
Turns out i don't know jack about mobile cards,1Gb-3Gb ATI vs.Nvidia..
What to get to be future proof for next couple yrs..

Thanks in advance