While I've not recommending a specific model, I've pointed out somethings to consider.
(1) look for a I3, or I5 model, Much better than a C2D.
(2) About six monthes ago there was a articale on Laptops, the Toshiba was the top for least number of problems.
(3) Most laptops ship with a 6 Cell Battery, a 9 cell (my Toshiba came with a 9 Cell) and Battery life is lower normally than manuf listing. Make sure you can get a 9 cell battery if Battery time is important - generaly 50 -$100 Bucks. A 2nd Battery is always a Plus
(3) You indicated a DVDR would be OK, BUT you may want to upgrade that to a Blu-ray ROM/DVDR later. Make sure the DVD drive is USER replaceable (would verify this anyways). I replaced both my toshiba A205 (PATA DVD drive) and my Tosibia A305 (SATA DVD drive). The SATA drives are way overpriced here in the states when compared to the same drive in PATA interface. Got mine from Tiawan (a Sony md) for $100 - they shipped it airmail and had within a week.
(4) Do not buy one with an SSD Unless you verify SSD model, and they normally charge a premum for a 2nd rate SSD. An SSD is an excellent upgrade at a later date. Just look for "good" peformance with low Power consumption during write time (ie 3 Watts or less) Greatly improves overall perfornance and increases time on battery. With my A305 (128 Gig pateriot Torqx SSD)I can watch a blu-ray movie and have battery time left (5 Hr plane trip).
(5) I'm not a gamer, so I can not talk about if you need a dedicated GPU vs the intergrated Graphics of the I3/I5 Both are dual core/4 threads But the I5 supports turbo boost where the I3 does not. For gaming a laptop with dedicated GPU would be better, MAYBE you could go to BestBuy and "demo" the game you plan on playing to see if you need dedicated GPU - Link is just for comparison:
http/www.anandtech.com/show/2955/5
For Future proofing I would recommend a dedicated GPU, or limit gaming to what is supported by a non-dedicated GPU.
When you pick a model, try googling "dissasembly/repair insert make model herre)"