Ask HN: Laptop recommendation?

for someone who spends 8 to 20 hrs in front of a laptop each day, purchasing a new one is a huge decision. i need some help. Here's where I stand: macbookpro: wanted one but the new gen have a mirror where the screen should be and the old ones get hot enough to sear your skin

priorities are 1)screen (LED, matte, 14 x 9 or bigger) 2)touchpad/clit 3)linux compat 4)compact form

suggestions?

thanks in advance