Laptop help

I know this is a big ask but I am struggling at the moment.

My current Sony laptop is coming to the end of its life and it needs to be replaced. After a few days of searching I have become overwhelmed with the selection of laptops on the market.

What I am looking for in a laptop is:

-Strong build no flimsy hinges or catches
-Under 2kg in weight (light as possible)
-A most $2000 AUS ($1613.33 USD)
-Decent battery life.

I have looked at the thinkpads by lenvo they are really nice but are out of my price range.

-Cheers

Update

A core 2 duo would be nice but if the laptop falls into the above nicely then I would be willing to skimp. I don't care about screen size but I guess the smaller it is the more battery life I get and less it weighs.

Got a preference of a processor, like a Core 2 Duo? Or a preference of screen size?

updated

I was just asking because what you provided was too vast.

Newegg has some good laptop deals, I was looking at them at work as a matter of fact.

I am Australian I can't use newegg. I am really just looking for brand or specific laptop recommendations rather than stores. But thanks anyway. +rep.

Laptops for general work purposes and not gaming/cad/video editing purposes don't have to be top of the line.
The limited life of laptops means that there's no reason to spend more than 1 grand on something that will break or be outdated within a couple of years.

I would highly suggest a good dell laptop. Their newer models are fairly sturdy and don't have a lot of issues with small things.

If money wasn't an issue, go for a Panasonic toughbook. Since it is, I would suggest a midrange dell or HP.

Could you pm/email me that info Jeremy?
My sister is going to law school in a few months and she needs a good reliable laptop that's not going to cost her much.

Thanks man.

I went to the local electronics store today and looked at there range. It is either gonna be a Lenvo or a Compaq. I will buy it when my screen on my Vaio breaks which could be any day now.

Cheers.

I am gonna get an early birthday present. A top of the line Lenvo X series Think Pad. Linky

Thanks for everyones help.

Edit: Price is in Aussie dollars