Hey guys, I'm new to the whole pc shop game, so I thought I'd seek some advice from some other techies (you!). This is the format that reddit asks for, I feel like its pretty specific in everything that I'm looking for. If you could recommend brands, models, I'd love to hear it all!

So I currently have a Dell Inspiron 17(R?) from just over 3 years ago and its definitely taking a dump on me. Overheats easily, low performance, I've had harddrive issues. I bought it with an i7 (probably a lower model) and spent nearly $1000 on it, and its already going out. I realize 3 years is quite a while, but laptops should still be performing for more than 3 years in my honest opinion.

**LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE**

* Country of purchase: USA

* Budget range: ~$1000 (give or take any amount)

* Purpose (netbook, ultraportable, mainstream, gaming, desktop replacement, etc.): Gaming (LoL mostly), Programming (hefty applications: Visual Studio, Eclipse etc), Student

* Screen size preference: 17" maybe? 15" maybe? Thinking of buying a monitor, so wouldn't be huge issue. But would like to be able to still fit into a backpack.

* OS preference (Windows/Mac/Linux): Windows

* Gaming requirements (example games and desired fps/settings): LoL (decent settings)

* Other performance requirements (video editing, CAD, etc.): Programming, running tons of programs. I typically run with 15+ internet tabs open, skype, spotify, gaming client, anti-virus. Tons of applications running. Word, Excel, different language compilers.

* Brand preferences and reasons (already owned accessories, familiarity, business compatibility): I've only owned Dell before, but I'm open to other ideas.

* Any particular style that you like (examples are great): Light up keyboard would be neat, but not a necessity.

**Which of the following qualities would you prefer? (Choose one, two, or balanced)**

* Long battery life -vs- Low weight -vs- High performance: Performance

* Build quality -vs- Low price -vs- High performance:

* Low noise/heat -vs- High performance: Not sure this one matters much.

**Which features would you pay a premium for?**

* High resolution screen: Would this still help if I used a monitor?

* A great keyboard: Sure (maybe where keys don't click very loud? I tend to spam keys and press them VERY firmly, which annoys people around me. But must be durable)

* A great touchpad/mouse buttons: I already have a Razer Naga Hex

* Great audio: Not a requirement, but would be nice.

**List any features that are critical:** SSD. IT MUST HAVE A SSD. I've never had a SSD and it seems too good to be true. I will be traveling a bit with this, perhaps to and from class, or to a friends house. My laptop tends to be stationary a lot of the time, but will make some treks around through campus or by car.

Thanks for all of the input in advance. I'm studying Computer Science in school, so I know a fair amount about computers, but haven't really looked into buying one on my own in a few years.