Fast - CPU & GPU give the laptop the processing power, but the biggest bottleneck is the slow storage, so spend money to get SSD (128G ~ RM300, 256G ~ RM600) and replace the HDD.
With your budget, the largest screen you can get is 15" (with reasonably powerful spec)
Dell
Inspiron 14R, i7-4500U + Nvidia GT750M (GDDR5) @RM2499[2.32kg], 8GB, 1TB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04 , 6 cell; W8SL@RM2699
Inspiron 15R, i7-4500U + AMD HD8850M (GDDR5)@RM2449 [2.32kg], 8GB, 1TB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04 , 6 cell; W8SL@RM2649
Lenovo
Y410p, i7-4700MQ + GT750M(GDDR5)@RM2899, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, 120w psu, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Y510p, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM3099[2.7kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable ODD, 120w psu, 2 yrs
MSI
GE60-2OC, i5-4200M + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM3099,8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8, steel series KB
Prices are RSP, negotiable.
Thanks for the suggestions! I cant spend extra on SSD. If I were to cut my laptop budget and use the remaining on SSD, is it better than buying a more expensive laptop without SSD?