Best 2011 (13.3/ 14 inch) Laptop for Business/Economics Major? (asus, hp are preferable)?

Ok I'm a college student who plans to major in business/economics or possibly mathematics. I'm in dire need of a new computer and am undecided. Looking for unbiased opinions. First off I plan to use the laptop for essays, powerpoint presentations, excel, possibly onenote, music, movies, youtube, hulu, email, and stuff like that. Heavy gaming, or gaming for that matter, isn't a necessity. I'm more focused on getting the best machine that willl last me for years to come. I want a good battery life to ensure if I need it in class or on trips that it'll have that capacity. I'm also trying to stick under the $600 price range. Any advice is much appreciated.