Need some help choosing a new laptop.

[Matt9327]

Hi! I'm posting today in hopes of finding an ideal laptop for gaming this summer. I currently have a budget of around $1,150. I'm currently looking into a couple of different laptops:
1. MSI GS60- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152689R
2. MSI GE70- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152739
3. MSI GE62- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152711
4. MSI GT70- http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152554
As for the use of the laptops I only intend some light gaming with GTA 5 being the most demanding. The storage of the laptop ins't a huge deal to me as i gave a 500gb SSD sitting on the shelf waiting to be used. I will be using whatever laptop I choose with a cooling pad (excluding the gt70 due to it's enormous size). What I really need help with deciding is whether or not the 860m will be too outdated within the next 2 years, if not, I most likely will choose the GS60. One small factor is my current laptop is a G74sx so i'm not unfamiliar with bulky gaming laptops but I miss the compact design that came with my old Macbook Pro Retina. So I'd prefer something on the light side, but I also love beefy specs. I don't need anything too extreme, I have a desktop that I use for most (or all) of my gaming. If I'm honest I've maybe played on my laptop 4 times in the last 4 months, so my next choose doesn't have to be too beefy. Thank you for any suggestions or comments you may have!

 

[stokieben]

Well if you're already not using the laptop much I would just go for the best value one some little snip-its of information to help you make a good informed decision.

The 860m was a medium end GPU last year so expect to be playing medium details / high without AA for around 3 years, nothing is future proof would you want to spend a significant markup for the latest 970M if the laptop isn't your main device.

The 960M is around 10% faster than the 860M so the GE70 gives better value however I can say as a GS series owner they are extremly good for carrying around with you even compared to the GE series.

For somebody who has a desktop you don't really fit the target market for a GT series laptop as they are a "Desktop replacement" due to there size they are not really practical for a traveling gamer or someone who wants to use it in a public place such as work or school often, hence it has a super hot GPU.

The GE62 with a 965M strikes a good balance between the GS60 portability and GT70 power, the 965M is around equal to the 870M in gaming performance so that is a big plus and in my opinion looks better than the GE70. It is more portable too however how much of a factor that is up to you.

The GS60 comes closest in terms of macbook esq looks and quality however it does run loud with medium intensive CPU load programs so be aware of that.

I would nail it down for you between the GS60 it will age quickly with a GPU 23% slower than the GE62 but with looks and better portability, although the GE62 offers the best value. GE70 never really appealed to me it looks ugly with GPU only 15% slower than the GE62.

 

[Matt9327]

Thank you for your recommendation, I really am torn between these two. The GS60 is nicely in my budget and I absolutely love the looks, however do have concerns about its lifeline. I think I may just shell out the extra cash and go for the GE62. Thank you very much for helping me limit my decision down to two!!!