I updated the original post with a new price range, and preferred brands

In your position, I'd get a Thinkpad X230. Well, I did get one because I am in your position.

You should look around and see what you like, though, and you can get a good discount for Lenovo computers by making an account through the Barnes & Noble Gold program.

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Here's the price difference.

I think I'll go with the T430, I think the NVIDIA will be better for both Minecraft and CAD, the screen res isn't the best, but I've dealt with far worse laptops lol.

Intel Core i5-3230M Processor (3.30GHz, 3MB Cache, 1600MHz) with Intel HD Graphics 4000
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Backlit - US English
720p HD Camera with Microphone
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader
6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+

That's what I ended up going with, I figured I could find a deal and upgrade the RAM later. I thought it was a good deal for 750 USD. Should I go with Windows 8? I tried it at Best Buy and it looked like a pain to use. I got around, but had no idea how I was doing it lol