Laptop purchase $500-550 suggestions

[DrAculaEMS]

Good afternoon,

I'm currently looking for a laptop and was hoping for some opinions. Mostly for classwork/internet use but would like the option to play some non-new games.

I've been hoping for the ivy-bridge mobile 3/5 series to release in some models but need to purchase in the next week or two so it's not seeming like an option. (does a new gen of processors also up the cost?)

So looking for an i3 or i5 (considering an amd option but not sold yet), most likely ASUS or Lenovo (not a hp or dell fan), slim and compact is prefered, preferred sites are amazon/tigerdirect/newegg.

1. What is your budget?
$500-550

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
13''-15''

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

These are a couple frontrunners:

ASUS U31SG-AS31 13.3-Inch Laptop
http/www.amazon.com/ASUS-U31SG-AS31-13-3-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00713CSWM/ref=sr_1_23?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1337528208&sr=1-23

Lenovo Ideapad Z570 1024DAU 15.6-Inch Laptop (Gun Metal Grey)
http/www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Ideapad-1024DAU-15-6-Inch-Laptop/dp/B006THIULY/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337618140&sr=1-24

lenovo IdeaPad Z575 (12992PU) AMD
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834246328&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Notebooks-_-Lenovo-_-34246328

I appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

 

[hpfreak]

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834246484

How about this?

 

[DrAculaEMS]

Hmm interesting, I'll definitely take a look on their website to check out what it looks like too. Thanks for the response.

I'll probably stop by best buy to get a hands on session to see some of the models as well today.

 

[hpfreak]

Yes, I prefer shopping off Newegg, great customer service, extremely fast shipping, and prices are normally much cheaper than buying at a local retailer.