Solved! Ambivalent on laptop research....

[StevetheLateralPirate]

I am merely curious of the following companies which would surmount the others: Asus, Lenovo, MSI, or Toshiba? My criterion is currently lenient; its cost can be roughly $1.2k, 500+gb HDD, 5000-7200rpm read/write speed HDD, 200 or 300 nVidia series (or Radeon equivalent; I neglect to stay updated w/ ATI), HDMI compatible, 15-17" screen w/ 16:9/16:10/15:9 aspect ratio, and several hour battery life. The companies mentioned are of my prior knowledge and recommendation. If there are any comparable companies not aforementioned, I'm welcome to research them as well. Appreciate your time.

 

[Maziar]

All of those brands are good,fill the FAQ first and we can help you more
http/www.tomshardware.com/forum/50797-35-read-buying-laptop

 

[StevetheLateralPirate]

Here is my elucidated criterion upon Maziar's request:

budget: ~$1-1.5k

size: 15-17"

resolution: 16:9/16:10/15:9 aspect ratios

battery life: 3-5hrs

games: Op Flashpoint:
Default Re: Ambivalent on laptop research....
Here is my elucidated criterion:

budget: ~$1-1.5k

size: 15-17"

resolution: 16:9/16:10/15:9 aspect ratios

battery life: 4-7hrs

graphic performance: Op Flashpoint: Dragon Rising... I think that is taxing enough for a benchmark

other features/ tasks: sound hardware near FLAC standards, HDMI compatibility, and ability to run Rhino & Solidworks

HDD capacity: 500+gb

sites: amazon.com, compudirect.com, directron.com, evertek.com, mwave.com, ncixus.com, newegg.com, pcdirect.com, tigerdirect.com, zipzoomfly.com, et cetera

longevity: I would prefer that it remain adequate for my entire 4-5year undergrad endeavor; however, I do prospect that I shall built a high performance desktop in a few years. My emphasis on this laptop's abilities is underscored by versatility and practicality.

brands: preferred = Asus, Dell, Lenovo, MSI, and Toshiba; chosen from personal experience and others' recommendation. disliked = Acer & HP; chosen from reviews holding them lowest in reliability or customer service


other features/ tasks: sound hardware at FLAC standards, HDMI compatibility, and ability to run Rhino & Solidworks

HDD capacity: 500+gb

sites: amazon.com, compudirect.com, directron.com, evertek.com, mwave.com, ncixus.com, newegg.com, pcdirect.com, tigerdirect.com, zipzoomfly.com, et cetera

longevity: I would prefer that it remain adequate for my entire 4-5year undergrad endeavor; however, I do prospect that I shall built a high performance desktop in a few years. My emphasis on this laptop's abilities is underscored by versatility and practicality.

brands: preferred = Asus, Lenovo, MSI, and Toshiba; chosen from personal experience and others' recommendation. disliked = Acer, Gateway, & HP; chosen from reviews holding them lowest in reliability or customer service

country: United States of America

 

[Maziar]

Finding a gaming laptop with 4-7hrs of battery life is almost impossible.
However MSI GX740 is a great choice
http/www.xoticpc.com/msi-gx740079us-p-2765.html
And its battery should last for about 3-4hrs

 

[StevetheLateralPirate]

I put 7hrs max because I know some lines--such as some Lenovo Thinkpads--can alternate between an integrated and dedicated graphics card.

 

[Maziar]

Yes but Lenovo doesn't have any models with a HD 5870M in it.The best VGA i saw in a Lenovo laptop was HD 5730M which is quite slower than a 5870M

 

[StevetheLateralPirate]

After devoting a moderate amount of time in personal research, these four models appear the most sufficient contenders, each with its advantages and shortcomings :

--- ASUS N61JQ-X1 or A1
pros:
>optional HDD capacity
>7200rpm HDD
>DX11 compatible ATI Radeon HD 5730; NVidia 330GT is not & is generally
lesser performing
>USB 3.0
>matte finish
>most inexpensive
>reputable customer service
cons:
>lesser i7 720QM processor
>4gb RAM
>low native resolution

--- MSI GX740-079US
pros:
>DX11 compatible middle performing ATI Radeon HD 5730
>7200rpm HDD
>high native resolution
>USB 3.0
cons:
>lesser i7 720QM processor
>4gb RAM
>gloss finish
>uncertain customer service

--- SONY VAIO F Series VPCF123FX/B
pros:
>better i7 740QM processor
>PhysX compatible NVidia 330GT
>6gb RAM
>blu-ray compatible
>high native resolution
>USB 3.0
>matte finish
>reputable customer service
cons:
>5400rpm HDD (custom order VPCF1190X has optional 7200rpm HDD)
>DX11 incompatible & least perfoming NVidia 330GT

--- TOSHIBA Qosmio X505-Q870 or 887
pros:
>optional i7 processor
>PhysX compatible & highest performing NVidia 360GTS
>7200rpm HDD
>18.4" screen
>USB 3.0
cons:
>DX11 incompatible NVidia 360GTS
>18.4" screen
>gloss finish
>most expensive
>uncertain customer service

 

[StevetheLateralPirate]

Considering I frequent locations with accessible outlets, battery life is not as imperative; a 3-5hr battery life seems more appropriate to the remainder of my criterion.