Could you please suggest a light weight laptop that has a good battery life and is NOT a MACBOOK AIR?

You have some really great options on laptops that are very easy on the budget!  One is the Toshiba Satellite which sells for $398.00
specifics:
Start: Choking Hazard compliances End: Choking Hazard compliances Toshiba 15.6" Satellite L455D-S5976 Laptop PC: There is also the Dell Inspiron 1545 which sells for $598.00
specifics:
For fast, fun mobile computing to match your on-the-go lifestyle, there's nothing like the Dell 15.6" Inspiron 1545 Laptop PC.

• Intel Pentium dual-core T4400 processor
  2.2GHz, 800MHz Front Side Bus, 1MB L2 Cache
• 4GB shared dual-channel DDR2 system memory
  Enough memory to handle today's most memory-hungry applications
• 500GB hard drive
  Store your photos, music, videos, documents and more with plenty of storage space to spare
• DVD/CD burner drive
  Play and create CDs and DVDs with this read/write DVD drive
• Wired Ethernet, Wireless WiFi
  Connect to a broadband modem or network with 10/100 Ethernet LAN; connect wirelessly to a wireless network or hotspot with Dell 1397 b/g WLAN
• 15.6" diagonal glossy widescreen display
  1366 x 768; Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD integrated graphics
  
  Additional Features:
• Your Choice, Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, Green & Black
• Built-in 1.3MP webcam
• 7-in-1 digital media card reader
• 6-cell rechargeable battery
• AC power supply included
• 2.0 high-definition audio

Also there is the Acer Aspire Netbook that sells for $298.00
specifics:
Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire One AO532h, a revolutionary netbook packed with fun, powerful features to connect you to the world and enrich your mobile life. With a 10.1" LED-backlit display, comfortable typing keyboard and Windows 7 Starter, it has never been easier to browse the Internet, check email, share photos, chat over webcam, keep up with your social networks and enjoy a variety of entertainment wherever you are.
Key Features & Benefits

Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire One AO532h, a revolutionary netbook packed with fun, powerful features to connect you to the world and enrich your mobile life. With a 10.1" LED-backlit display, comfortable typing keyboard and Windows 7 Starter, it has never been easier to browse the Internet, check email, share photos, chat over webcam, keep up with your social networks and enjoy a variety of entertainment wherever you are.
• Intel Atom Processor N450
  1.66GHz, 667 MHz Front Side Bus, 512 KB L2 Cache
• 1GB DDR2 667 MHz
  Enough memory to handle basic computer needs and Internet surfing.
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive
  Store your music, videos, photos and documents with plenty of space to spare
• 10.1 WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite LED-backlit display
  1024x600 resolution; Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 with 64MB shared graphics
• Wired Ethernet; Wireless Wifi
  Connect to a broadband modem with 10/100 Ethernet; connect wirelessly to a WiFi network or hotspot with built-in Acer InviLink Nplify 802.11b/g/draft-n WLAN
  
  Additional Features
• Your choice of Silver, Red or Blue.
• Built-in Webcam
• Multi-in-1 Digital Card Reader
• 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone/speaker/line-out jack, 1 x microphone-in jack, 1 x Ethernet (RJ-45) port, 1 x DC-in jack for AC adapter, 1 x Kensington lock slot
• 6-cell Li-ion battery (up to 8 hours)
• AC power supply included