Yet another Laptop suggestion thread

Okay so I am yet another Boardsie looking for a new laptop and I too am looking for advice. Let me offer a few details so that it will make things a little clearer.

Essentially I have had an old laptop for a few years now but I feel it has run it's course and I'm looking to trade up, so to speak. I have been interested in buying a new one for a while and have done some research.

I'll firstly admit that I approach this subject from the perspective of a gamer. Having enjoyed console games, I have also been interested in getting involved in laptop gaming as well. One of the first games I would like to get my hands on would be Skyrim, a game I have been hooked on for the XBox. I realise that such games are very graphic-intensive so obviously the main requirement would be for a strong graphics card.

As well as this, I have been studying for a three year course in IT Management, learning programming languages such as Java, C# and HTML/CSS. This is something I would like to continue myself in my own time. Music recording is something I am recently venturing into as well so a DAW like Audacity will also be a requirement.

By putting money here and there, I have managed to amass E850 and will able to save up a bit more in the new year, giving me about a grand to splurge on.

Now that I've given you an insight into the usage of a new laptop, (i.e. graphic-intensive gaming, music recording, programming language- possibly with the usage of Visual Studios or like-minded programs) I have a few questions:

1. I realise that i7-cores are the best types of processors you could find in a laptop or desktop, but failing that, will an i5-core be adequate for high-graphics games if medium-level graphics aren't much of an issue or what type of an experience would I otherwise get?

2. Seeing as Amazon doesn't deliver laptops to Irish shipment addresses, what is the best online store both for having the biggest range of laptops as well giving the best value for money?

3. Is E-Bay a viable alternative for the purchasing of laptops and is it reliable? Going on past experience, are you more likely to get what you ordered or just end up hugely disappointed?

4. Not to cause a ruckus or start of any flame-wars, (that is absolutely NOT my intention so please don't do it) it has been mentioned that Apple Macs are extremely reliable if not a little expensive and their customer service is hugely satisfying. Would you consider Apple to be a better alternative to the present lot of Ultrabooks?

Thanks for any answers given.