New laptop system for infosec student

[dive2015]

It's been a while since I bought a new computer and I am looking to buy a new laptop for vm's. Requirements: windows 7, either core i5 or i7, at least 8 gb of memory (I can upgrade this myself) as I am going to have multiple VMs, Ideally, an 15inch+ screen, decent GPU (for one the labs. )Recommendations?
Wish items 4+ usb, hdmi/vga, 5-in-1 card reader; decent wifi,
Optional, bluray/cd/dvd drive (do I even need this anymore? If not, should get an external drive just so I have one? Recommendations? )

Anything that I missing that, you would look for?

 

[velo3100]

I will need to know your budget. I would either go with one of the dell or lenovo laptops as they give student discounts.

 

[dive2015]

Ideally under a grand.

 

[velo3100]

Look into the dell latitude series or the lenovo t series.