MacBook Pro :: Replacement For Laptop (non Apple)

I am looking for a replacement for my gf's - now dead - laptop (non-Apple). My preference would lean towards the MBP 13" over the 'new' MB, don't particularly like how the plastic unibody turned out and I heard about cracks and the aluminum model being superior. On the other hand, the buyer's guide states that it is due for an update (but no known refresh date yet and immediate replacement is required). However, she is currently used to Windows and is content about it - then again, she doesn't know Macs. Therefore, I am curious about possible alternatives, the laptop does not have to pack a lot of power (she would just use it for the casual things, no game or anything; office, mail, IM's, internet). I want her laptop to be of proper build-quality though and not too heavy (she's a slender girl ). So I was Interested in Lenovo too, but don't know their range of product at all. So, any suggestions? Not looking for hate on wintels here (is this the wrong forum to ask? :P), just some honest advice on good quality laptops that are not overspecced, preferably under the $1,000 mark (I know the 13" MBP surpasses that).