Dunno if they make one in your budget, but I'd go with a Thinkpad because I'm a huge proponent of the mid-keyboard nipple style mouse. I hate the little thumb pads on most notebooks... they inevitably suck and mess up when I'm typing to boot.
The new touchpads and software are software adjustable and can detect and ignore accidental hitting the pad with your palms while typing and that sort of thing. IBMs are nice, but certainly more expensive for less features.
Nipples are features! And features I'm willing to pay for! The software adjustments are imperfect and beyond that it's an ergonomic issue you can't overcome with software. To move the mouse, I have to move my hands to use a touchpad, but the nipple is right there in the middle of the natural typing position.
Maybe I'm reaching, but no HDMI on that ASUS as far as I can tell, but still a good deal for the processor and LED.
HDMI won't be an issue with this machine. However, "my" new laptop will have it. (probably next year.)
