If you need to carry the laptop everyday, don't go over 14''. Seriously, just don't do it.

I have a 15.4'' D830 (fast, *by far* the best monitor and build quality I've ever seen on a laptop) but lugging around 4Kg+ is no fun.

See if you are eligible for an Apple discount and (if you are) consider the 13.3'' macbook pro. It comes with a 9400M, which is good enough for game programming on the go. Dual boot to Linux (or Windows) and you are set.

HP has a solid line of business notebooks at 13-14'' (great monitors, solid build, good price), but I don't know about their video cards.

Asus has released some fine new notebooks with "ultra low voltage" processors that get something like 7-8 hours of battery life (but are much faster than the puny Atoms). Pretty good reviews all around and good value for money - worth taking a look into.

In any case, never, ever buy something with an Intel or Sis IGP if you are planning to do any serious 3d programming. Or if you must, avoid the GMA950 (aka Intel 5) like the devil - its video drivers are very, *very* bad. Intel 4 series (4500) has better (but still bad) drivers.

Edit: the forum is eating up my inches?! They are coming through like this: ''