I'm currently in University studying Computer Science/IT/Information Technology. And this first year i've managed to do with the laptop I had; an ASUS Eee PC 1000H with a 10.1" screen. But this is getting way too underpowered and small for programming more than just quick programming introduction excercises. So I'm looking to buy a more suitable laptop. It's not supposed to be a desktop replacement though, since I've got a pretty good desktop already with a 24" monitor.

So the kinda laptop I want to buy is one suited for university. If this bears any significance, I'm working in Java atm, but I will likely work with lots of other things incl. web development.

I'm looking to spend about $1700 plus/minus. And it should be powerful/big enough for working on programming projects as well as the usual university stuff like MATLAB, Maple, etc out "in the field", and sometimes for maybe a week when visiting my parents.

What I'm looking at right now is the ASUS Zenbook UX31A with the 1920 x 1080 resolution on 13.3" IPS display. But I'm kinda nervous that this will be too petite for programming.

In essence i'm looking for a powerfull computer, that has good enough battery, and looks good.

I would love suggestions or any type of feedback, either with maybe a better choice, or input on how its like programming on 13" laptops.

Very much thanks in advance for anyone who even went through all that!

PS. I don't want a mac, or my inner karma would commit Seppuku xD But experiences from working on the 13" Macbook Air would kinda be equivalent to the Zenbook i'm considering, so I would love to hear that.

tl;dr The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog ;)