Mid-High end laptop recommendation?

I would like to first say that I'm looking for laptops that are actually a couple years old already (i.e. 2010-11). Therefore, the mid-high end spec is mainly for build quality rather than all out performance.

1. What is your budget?
For the time of release mentioned, probably <$800-900 new back then...

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Definitely needs to be no bigger than 14" for portability down to ~12". No netbooks.

3. What screen resolution do you want?
At least 1440x900 to match my current laptop specs.

4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Portable

5. How much battery life do you need?
At least 3 hours would be fine, but would prefer 4 or more

6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
I game on my desktop so yes I want to be able to play games if I want. However I don't care what settings they're on. I'm fed up with my integrated graphics (gma950) right now and there is a number of compatibility issues. I want/need dedicated graphics. I don't care what it is, as long as it is faster/better than HDx000 graphics in the slightest.

7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)
Photoshop and Illustrator, Solidworks

8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Doesn't matter

9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Older laptops, used... so probably Craigslist honestly

10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
At least a couple more years (2-3)

11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
Doesn't matter

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
Not gateway, toshiba, compaq
Gateway=bad previous experience
Toshiba=look bulky and bad
compaq=HP's cheap brand

13. What country do you live in?
US, northwest

14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.
Must have dedicated graphics
Core i5/i7
matte screen, I hate reflections from glossy
I would also like it to be fairly "fixable", as far as opening it up and what not

I have looked at many options already from Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, IBM... and i've pretty much run out of google search ideas. Some particular models being the Dell E6410, Acer Timeline X or the IBM T430.
Just shoot out some recommendations I'll look at them regardless.
Thanks in advance!