Laptop Sub $1200 - Detailed / Need a good build

[Corvai]

Hi all,

I am looking for a laptop that will allow me to do some gaming (nothing too hardcore, but I still want to be able to play Batman AO, Xcom, FC3, Metro etc... and probably some MMO'ish type stuff.)

I would prefer to keep the cost Sub $1200, as I plan on buying a warranty of some type because I am paranoid like that But I could go higher if the manufacturers warranty is awesome.

I would prefer i7, but would be ok with i5.
I want a dedicated card with a mid/high capability so I can least run most of what I want.

I want at least 8gb of RAM, a 15.6 monitor or above, Wireless+BT, Would love an SSD or hybrid, but not completely necessary in this price range.

But the biggest piece of this is build quality. I need something that will last me a good long while, as it will be toted along to various countries/states etc during my non profit adventures.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

PS: I've heard from friends Lenovo build quality has gotten worse.. as has Dell and a few others. Wonder if that is fairly common these days.

PPS: Also, Do any of you know of any 3rd party warranty services that also cover accidental damage that are any good?

 

[rpjkw11]

I lean towards the MSI because the HDD rpm is 7200 and I was unable to find the rpm on the Asus, leading me to think it's 5400. Not a deal breaker, but I have two laptops, one at 7200 and I notice the faster HDD adds "zip" to most everything I do.

 

[lucasz]

http/www.msimobile.com/level3_productpage.aspx?cid=6&id=423

 

[Corvai]

The MSI seems good, how would it compare to the ASUS N56JR-EH71? http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834231320 in build quality?

 

[lucasz]

That ASUS one would be better

 

[rpjkw11]

I lean towards the MSI because the HDD rpm is 7200 and I was unable to find the rpm on the Asus, leading me to think it's 5400. Not a deal breaker, but I have two laptops, one at 7200 and I notice the faster HDD adds "zip" to most everything I do.