Gone through all other options, widdle them down to the following 2:

Lenovo L420 Notebook Computer http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA42J2B34934 - $230

HP EliteBook 8460 Notebook http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834260118 - $299 (down from $399)

Yet the Lenovo seems to have better specs.. What gives?
In the pictures it seems both laptops have USB / HDMI ports, but neither are listed in specs.

I don't see hdmi, you looking at the esata?

Get the Lenovo; you can buy a decent ssd for $60.

The HP didnt have an image so I googled it, and the images appeared to have one there, along with other USB ports

Can u link me to a nice cheap ssd?

Kingston SSD 120GB ($52.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1ZTZOG

I went with a Samsung EVO 840 120GB personally ($79.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3W15P0

Very nice. Thanks man, what do you think of the laptop selections?

almost a hundred views and only a couple people have helped

will the lenovo w/ an ssd make it run just as good?

I do really want an HDMI cord though

Anyone else have something to say?