Looking for gaming laptop configuration recommendation

[enduserz]

I'm looking to spend 1500-1700 (including a 2 year plus repair contract) on a laptop for gaming. I'm more concerned about a high framerate than pretty graphics, also battery life and durability are also high priorities. Screen size isn't very important, i'd much rather have better preformance than a bigger screen. It must have 4gb of ram. I'd prefer not to get a dell - i've heard way too many horror stories about them. I play mmo's primarily, and will be using this system to run Warhammer Online. It's going to double as my main computer (hooked up to my regular monitor) and i'm going to be bringing it to school every day. I configured this at hp.com, is this a solid choice or is there something better out there for me? Thanks.

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
Display 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN from 802.11b/g WLAN
Primary CD/DVD drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
3-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Pick Up and Return

 

[enduserz]

oops

 

[fulle]

I've been looking at quite a few laptops for myself and have struggled to find a solution, since I want a 9800m in a lightweight 15.4" (Sager's NP8660 is my top option at the moment).

Along the way, I've stumbled across a lot of interesting laptops though.

You might want to check out the ASUS G50. It comes in 2 flavors, the G50V-A1, and the G50Vm-X1.
The G50V-A1 runs 1600-1700 and has a higher res screen (WSXGA+ 1680 x 1050) Intel T9400(2.53GHz), 2x 250 GB HDs, 4GB of RAM, and most importantly, a NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT.

The G50Vm-X1 is pretty cheap, at about $1100. The screen was dialed back to 1366 x 768 resolution, Intel chip 2.0GHz 667 FSB, and 1 200GB 7200RPM HD. But, it still has the GeForce 9700M GT. Now, the lower res screen is OK, since it makes playing games at native res more realistic and you are going to hook it up to a monitor at home anyway. The Intel chip can be OCed easily to 2.2 GHz by bumping the FSB to 733. And, it weighs just over 6 pounds (6.2 for the X1, 6.5 for the A1), so it's realistic to transport to class.

Good look in your search. I know it can be pretty hard to find exactly what your looking for.

 

[fulle]

^There's always a catch though. I forgot to mention that some people find the ASUS G50 ugly, since it uses a bit too much orange in the styling.

 

[enduserz]

the G50V-A1 looks good, but how much better is it than the one I configured? Also, it seems like that only has a 2 year manufacturers warranty and the hp is 3 years with accidental damage. I plan to use this for the next 2-4 years so it's very important that it stays usable. What one do you think is the better deal?

 

[fulle]

That's true, the ASUS is at a disadvantage on warranty. You would have to buy an extended warranty through bestbuy or newegg to compensate, and for a 3 year with accidental damage its expensive (like $300).

I don't know how much the HP costs (you didn't say), so its hard to say for sure which is the better deal. The main advantage the ASUS has is the 9700M GT, which is quite a bit faster than the 9600M GT.

http/www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

 

[enduserz]

Seems like the ASUS is out of stock everywhere I look, do you know where I can find one to buy?