Finding the perfect laptop for me

[CJ McDermith]

I am CJ, a long time reader but never bothered to post my own problems before as i find between this website and the rest of the internet someone else was bound to have had the same problem and someone has likely found a solution. Well no such look this time around. I am quite experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to computers so don't hold back with the technical jargon. My dilemma is, like many others finding the right lappy. I'm going to be honest I'm picky. Here it goes, took this from the sticky. (hope im not breaking any rules)

1. What is your budget?

1500 MAX preferably around 1400 (USD)

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?

15.6", I am also quite interested in 14" computers.

3. What screen resolution do you want?

uhhh 1600x900 or higher preferably.

4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?

I built my own desktop so no but I need something for lan parties and something to get me through some engineering classes

5. How much battery life do you need?

3+ preferably.

6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?

crysis 3, bioshock infinite, metro last light (just any new games really) hopefully medium settings with decent frame rates.

7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)

Rendering, for engineering software. Very light editing.

8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?

anything is fine im open to using externals i already have a few, would like 500gb but would use 250gb ssd.

9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.

any reputable site. I have been looking on xoticpc, powernotebooks, newegg, and tigerdirect

10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?

4 years.

11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray
ROM/Writer,Etc ?

Dont need one... could live without for sure.

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.

Don't like hp or dell and not particularly happy with toshiba either. My hp's never last and Dell is, well dell. I take good care of my computers but I just seem to have many problems with hp's in particular. I have never personally owned a toshiba but i haven't heard many positive things from toshiba owners.

13. What country do you live in?

U.S.

14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.

Most important specs:
BACK LIT KEYBOARD
Under 6 lbs. Or VERY close to it.
Around 1" thick, definite wiggle room here.
At least 8gb's of ram.
Most importantly 4th gen i7 4700 cpu or better with GTX 760m or better GPU.


Additionally... you should also consider what support options are available in your area. If say you buy something abroad, will you be able to have it fixed near where you live? Does the warranty apply? How quickly do local accredited technicians fix laptops?
I work in I.T. and am more than capable of fixing nearly any problem that may arise.

not interested in beefy 8 or 9 lb computers that are 2 inches thick. I need something mobile enough to take to class, yes I know its a tall order.

Here is what I have found so far...
1. http/www.xoticpc.com/msi-ge40-2oc009us-p-5783.html
Would buy this right now if it came with a back lit keyboard. Reviews also say it runs very hot when gaming which is concerning.
2. http/www.xoticpc.com/msi-ge60-2oe003us-p-5782.html
dissapointed by the fact that it doesn't have an ssd but happy it has a back lit keyboard and better gpu. Appears to have same cooling system though.
3. http/www.xoticpc.com/sager-np7352-clevo-w350st-p-5842.html
Good specks, but no back lit keyboard, its ugly, and its thick.
4. http/www.xoticpc.com/force-msi-16gc-22002-765m-msi-ge60-barebones-p-5822.html
Ugly and still a bit thick.

Just trying to find the best thing out there for the money and so far nothing has gave me that "this is the one" feeling that I have been looking for. I am buying something that im going to live with for 4 years so forgive me for being picky, I doubt im going to be able to do this again anytime soon so I would like to do it right the first time around. What I'm looking for are opinions on whether i should wait for more haswell & keplar computers or if i should just buy something now (and your reasons/logic) . I like the idea of a 14 inch computer and I am highly compelled to buy the GE40 however i really wanted to get a back lit keyboard this time around.

 

[Raghnar]

What doesn't satisfy with your current findings?
Have you looked at the new Alienwares?

If, Since you want to spend 4 years with the laptop, is doesn't necessary have to be last gen there are a lot of option open, otherwise you have to wait that dual cores haswell will be released.

 

[CJ McDermith]

What doesn't satisfy with your current findings?
Have you looked at the new Alienwares?

If, Since you want to spend 4 years with the laptop, is doesn't necessary have to be last gen there are a lot of option open, otherwise you have to wait that dual cores haswell will be released.

If you look under the links i provided, i did provide the reasons for why I'm not satisfied with them. I guess Im just looking for feedback on my options, and of course I'm open to suggestions. Also not sure why I would want a dual core cpu, idc about battery life that much and I need the horse power to do renderings.