So this is a stupid question, but basically I would like some suggestions on what laptop to get:

Here are my requirements:
- light weight
- preferably smaller than 12"
- long battery life 4+ hrs
- nice keyboard (does not have to be chicklet)
- under $450

I have had a look at Dells Vostro v13(is there a way to hack this and improve battery life??), its nice but battery life sucks.
Asus 1005PE, well too gloosy every where....
Toshiba nb305... keyboard too mushy

Note: Netbooks with a 6 cell battery sticking out from the bottom is a deal breaker for me. (Its just stupid)

Had a look at Sony's old picturebooks C-series but the keyboard seems really small...and battery life is small as well...

My usage of the laptop will just be some light programming, web browsing.

Any Suggestions?

this is only a suggestion!

at home, we have a Samsung-netbook: 6-cells battery on which you can use your netbook for about 6+ hours

only thing, I haven't tested linux on it yet (I personally don't work with that netbook)

the price here in Europe, Belgium, was about 250 EUROS (400 - 450 dollars?)

I have the latitude 2100 from dell (found in the business section.)I spent 600 on mine but it has a touch screen w/ camera ($30), Logitech anywhere mouse ($80), Belkin easy transfer cable ($25), 1 year damage protection (like $100), 16g solid state drive, and a 6 cell battery (it does protrude.)

I have to say that the pros of the 6 cell battery greatly out weigh the cons, it more than doubles the battery life (just barely) and it allows for added cooling. That said, it does add extra weight (practically the weight of the net-book by its self), and it makes it difficult to fit in some carry cases made for 3 cell net-books.

I use this net-book as a college computer, so I travel with it in my bookbag. But I get nothing but compliments from it.

More about the 2100 its self though, it is very ruggedized with a sweet shock absorbent rubber coating (it was designed for the military, schools, and other occasions where durability are a must)I have actually stepped on it with all my 200 pounds and there was no damage. Besides this coating though, it is just like any other 10" netbook with a atom 270 processor.

This is just my opinion on my netbook, so others might disagree. Also, make sure you look at the ubuntu version, because the windows version is much more expensive.

Hummm... not a netbook per say, however the Dell vostro v13 does seem very tempting to me at the moment, although the battery life sucks... I'm willing to carry around an external battery. Just wish there is someway of hacking the internal battery to carry a higher capacity battery!!

One thing about the eeePC 1005PE. You mention it is too glossy. Today I received the 1001P-PU17. It is not glossy at all, matte finish, and matte screen. I love the looks!

This information might not be very useful, as I yet have to install Debian on it, which might not take place until next week. I have seen at least one positive install report.

The battery protrudes from the back, not the bottom.

jlinkels