First time laptop/notebook buyer

Hey guys, just looking for some help.

What is your maximum budget?
Hard cap of about $2000 but I would rather spend less if I can with my goals (should be pretty easy I assume).

What country are you in?
Australia

What will be the uses of this laptop?
Mainly web browsing, watching videos and etc, light gaming. I have a good desktop but this is one I will use for chilling in the loungeroom with the family.

Do you have brand loyalty or care which brands we select for you?
Nope.

What screen size do you require?
15.6in or above would be nice. A larger screen size would be a good reason for me to spend a little more money.

What screen resolution do you require?
Not sure. I would like 1080p but does it make much of a difference at the smaller monitor size?

Are you looking to buy NEW or would refurbished/recertified/used be okay?
I would prefer new.

How long should the battery last? (Under optimal conditions, no movies/games/heavy internet)
Not too fussed, will probably be plugged in all the time.

What games would you like to play with your laptop? And on what settings?
Mostly just small indie games that aren't hard to run, doubt ill run any FPS or anything.

What operating system do you need? (if any)
None, Linux is fine.

Is there a certain style of laptop you want? (aluminum, black, gaming, etc.)
Not really fussed.

How much hard drive space do you need?
500GB atleast.

Do you need any special hardware? (blue ray, webcam, specialty ports, etc.)
No.

Is there anything else we need to know?
I have used other peoples laptops (non-techheads, regular joes) and they tend to freeze a lot and are slow. Not sure if its cause of bloatware and needless installations or not, but I want something that is fast and simple tasks/browsing.

I would prefer if the laptop could be bought from the website I link below, but if I have to buy anywhere else for a good laptop/notebook thats fine.

I was thinking this one as it looks like itd do the job:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1013&products_id=21956

But then there is this one with 1080P which would be a plus:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1013&products_id=21811

Not sure if ill notice much of a difference at that screen size.

Just remember I have very little knowledge in the mobile market.

Thanks for any input guys.

I knew it was better in general, but would it be worth it with the things I will be doing with it? Also does MSI make good laptops?

I am having trouble finding one within my budget for my preferred screen size.

Thanks for the input guys, anyone else got anything to chip in? Also any tips for a first time laptop/notebook user?

Thanks for the input mate, repped.

What about the higher specs for longevity, so I don't have to buy a new one for a while? Part of me really wants that 1080P too.

I am going to buy other things from that site anyway so I was wanting to go there, its one of the best in Australia for computer parts.

Thanks for your input guys, repped.

I ended up getting a Dell Inspiron 17R SE, bigger screen and better specs for less as it was $400 dollars off and I just had to jump on that deal

Spent less money than expected and got a better laptop.

Also I don't expect to play FPS in the living room, my desktop has its purpose, it can max what you throw at it and I wouldn't settle for less.