I need to get a laptop for my new job. I can have whatever I want, up to $1500. (I buy it and then they reimburse)
Here’s my problem. . . I am a long time Mac user. My work PCs have always been desktops, installed and managed by IT. I couldn’t even tell you the specs on them. IT wouldn’t upgrade from XP so I’ve never used Vista at all. I have not personally purchased a PC in more than 10 years.
I know nothing about PCs. I’m the proverbial person who lived under a rock. I’m a tad overwhelmed by all the options. I don’t need a lot of power, it’s not like I’ll be gaming on it. But I am used to having a light, sturdy, well constructed, low-problem machine (I have a Macbook Pro). I’d also like a webcam built in, and a matte screen is an absolutely non-negotiable must.
Can anyone point me in the direction of anything good? Or help me figure out where to start? I don’t even know what I’m looking for.
Buy a Intel based Mac (any of the currently shipping machines), then use Boot Camp to install windows on it, problem solved
Ah, I would. But I can’t get a matte screen for under $1500, (esp. with having to buy windows) and I don’t particularly want to use my personal machine for work.
Care to appear in a Laptop Hunters Ad? 
Lenovo is pretty well regarded, but I haven’t shopped for specific models lately so I don’t know what their current lineup is like.
The Lenovo (formerly IBM) Thinkpads are pretty good. Dell and HP make good business laptops as well. Just don’t buy anything marketed or designed for “home” use - they tend to be cheap, flimsy, flashy plasticky shit.
I have 2 Fujitsu notebooks, one is 7 years old, one is 3 years old. Both have traveled the US with me when I am on the road doing shows, and have survived with few if any problems. I did have a hard drive burn out after 3 years on the older one, but replaced it and have had no other problems. They’ve been physically abused on trade show floors, slammed around in overhead bins on airplanes. If I had to buy a PC (shudder) I’d prolly buy another Fujitsu.