I would second a Thinkpad. They're exactly in the price range of "you get exactly what you pay for". Worlds more reliable than your bargain-bin Dell/HP/etc, and generally far less expensive than a Macbook. They're not terribly stylish, but I think they have a certain rugged timelessness to them. They're designed like a business suit, and serve the same function. They look like they could survive a nuclear blast, and they might actually do it, too. Lenovo doesn't push form over function.

One thing that holds them back is the Red Hat nature to their hardware. Bleeding edge isn't in the name. BluRay and USB3 are available on some models, but not all and not standard (at least last time I checked). They are machines made for solid work, with solid keyboards and solid screens. Lenovo ThinkVantage is also a decent piece of software if that's up your alley.

If you want a laptop that's worth its weight in productivity, this is the one to buy. There's a reason they're the unchallenged standard in corporate America.

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge430 looks like a great deal.

How good of a display are you expecting? With the exception of some IPS options and the 15" TN panels, ThinkPad displays are often average to below-average. If you have an external monitor you'll be using for your graphic design, then this isn't as important.