I don't know what you price range is but in light of the announcement at WWDC today I would actually recommend the new Macbook Pro. The screen is gorgeous and it has a good graphics along with processing power, I mean other than the lack of SWTOR and Skyrim it is a great notebook.
Edit: Didn't notice the post about Windows only.

 

The only reason I'm linking gaming laptops is because I have to be able to run the games we're going to have as class demonstrations and the games that I'll end up making with my cohort in the later years.

I'm not sure how graphic-intensive those games will be.

 

You can run Windows on Apple laptops. In general, though, unless you have a compelling reason, you should avoid buying a MacBook Pro. Specs-wise, they definitely give less for your money.

That said, I'm buying the new MacBook Pro with Retina. I don't think it's possible to find a better laptop in that kind of package. And if I sell my 3 year old 13" MBP ($800, god I love Mac resale value), get the student discount ($200), and sell the $100 "back-to-school" promo gift card, it suddenly costs ~$1100, which is affordable enough.

 

I wouldn't suggest using windows 7 on a macbook pro. Windows cuts the battery life in half or worse. I think its something to do with windows using the dedicated graphics card aswell as windows generally being a power-hungry OS.

 

So just got back from financial aid. Not getting any backing from there, so limit to 1500 with warranty.

Need to wait for class registrations to get any details on other specs.

 

I've got a lower end Thinkpad that's served me better than any previous laptops. Being an abusive owner isn't kind to my wallet, but this one has survived and performs far better than expected for the price.

Glad to hear you don't need macbooks. The wave of white when I walk into any of the graphics rooms makes me spray urine all over the walls and ceiling then collapse into a sobbing wreck.