Open to Suggestions

This is the second time I've started a thread.
First time ended up with me happy(ish) with an Asus.
After it was broken (long story, computer repair shop gone bad) I got a netbook to tide me over.
I've been tided (this thing is killing me) and I'm currently looking at the XPS14 and the M11x.
As I see it both of these are overkill for what I'd be doing >80% of the time, but I don't see that as an issue.
Before I pull the trigger, I wanted to consult the gurus.
Please, oh great ones, feel free to point out how wrong I am...

General Questions

1) What is your budget?
1k +/- 200 dollars.
Cheaper is always better.

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

b.
Ultraportable; 11" - 12