Thinkpads are exactly what you're looking for. The pre T*00 models could also be had with a built in Atheros chipset. You can hop on ebay and find an old T42 really cheap. Thinkpads always have great compatibility and are build rock solid. As for battery life I get a good 8 hours out of my T400 with a 9 cell using wifi, with screen brightness up, and norming web/youtube surfing.