- doesn't have to be super thin, but it shouldn't be as thick as a gaming laptop
- should be powerful enough to run CAD software decently. I'm not expecting amazing performance - just something good enough for mobile work.
- really good build quality
- battery life: 5+ hrs of web browsing, video playback, note taking, etc.
- no disk drive required
- to be purchased towards the end of this year. So recently announced, yet to be released models are still good.
Less than or around $1600 USD.
I've been in the Apple laptop world for many years, so I don't know much about Windows laptops lol. I don't mind purchasing things online (if they can't be found in stores, I mean), as long as I don't end up paying through the nose for shipping.
Take a look at the Clevo W230SS (Sager NP7338). It's 13.3" with a 1080p IPS panel and can house any Haswell or Haswell Refresh mobile processor and a GTX 860M. The battery can last about 5 hours.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np7338-clevo-w230ss-eta-march-p-6992.html?wconfigure=yes If you configure it on Xotic PC with an i7-4710MQ, 16GB RAM, Crucial M5a 120GB mSATA SSD and a 5400RPM HDD, it'll cost $1209.
I am in love with this laptop. I do wish that the graphics were a bit more impressive, but it's certainly sufficient for most laptop-based CAD use. The display is just astonishingly good, it's light, it's attractive, it has a fair battery life, etc. I want one, but I just don't have money. There is a cheaper model with just the 1080p display, also.