Buying a New Laptop

[hockeysticks]

I am starting to look at new laptops as the 2 I have are way outdated.  My "newest" is an Acer Aspire Timeline X series 1830T-3425 model.  It has Windows 7. 

Here's what I need in order:  1. speed / multi-tasking ability 2. more speed / multi-tasking ability 3. harddrive space 4. battery life.

Any suggestions in keeping my investment under $500?  Or at least under $600?  Touch screen would be great!

Feel free to ask questions...

THANKS

[Geek-9pm]

When you have a touch screen it is more than a laptop.
Like this:
Lenovo Flex 2 15-Inch Touch Screen Notebook (15D)
Item: 1180100    Model: 59422542

Expect this to go for about $399.99 at retail outlets. The represents the lower end of quality laptops with touch.
IMHO, stick with the brands that  already have a good reputation. If you want more speed, expect to have shorter battery life. And a big price tag. Really fast stats at about $1000 and up.
The Lenovo Y50 Touch is suitable for gaming.

BTW: you will find some touch laptops now for $200, but you would not like them.

[soybean]

.

Really fast stats at about $1000 and up.

I disagree, or would at least want to know more about the desired multi-tasking capability.  "Fast" is relative to the user's intended/normal use and expectations and concept of "fast".  What apps do you want to run in a multi-tasking mode? 

My 2-year old HP laptop (Win 8.1) had a retail price of $510 but OfficeMax ran a special sale where they dropped to price to $380 and I got it at that price plus tax.  It came with 4GB of RAM.  I added 4GB, for a total of 8GB.  I usually have multiple programs open at the same time. My laptop is not a touch screen but I believe you can now buy a touch screen for about the same price I paid for my laptop.