Looking for a new laptop...

[Fairy-Killer]

Being a computer engineering major I feel like my Acer Aspire 6930 with its measly specifications will not be able to handle things that I will be doing for classes in the future. So I ask you, where and what brand of computer would you suggest if you were to be getting a new laptop? I also bought Windows 7 64 bit for extremely cheap so OS on a laptop is not a problem and if I could get one without an OS it would probably help. Specs for my current laptop:

Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0 GHz 2MB L2 cache
16" HD Cinecrystal LCD
1244 MB Mobile Intel Graphics media accelerator (yuck)
3 GB DDR2
320 GB HDD
etc etc

[fishstix]

how much are you wanting to spend on it? and what kinds of progarms/games? personally, I tell people to stay away from HP, I know some ppl will agree and others who'd say it's a great brand. I bought a Dell vostro 1500 and it's been great for 3 years, while my dad's more expensive HP tx1217cl is falling apart and overheats.

If you're looking for a high-end laptop, I hear great things about http://www.sagernotebook.com/ although I checked, cant customize it without an OS :/

[Fairy-Killer]

I was looking around $1.2k. Maybe a little more for quality. Games maybe some FFXIV, Diablo III when it comes out, or Garry's Mod but Idk how much more outside of that. Probably Fallout: New Vegas if it comes out on computer. That Asus at Bestbuy looks pretty sexy but that's a HUGE screen and is at the upwards of my limit. And I don't know how reliable Asus are.

Asus at Bestbuy: $1200

Sager NP7652 at Xoticpc.com: $1191.52
Doesn't save the upgrades so:
Processor: i7 720QM 1.6-2.8GHz
RAM: 6 GB DDR3 1333 MHz
Hard drive: 500 GB 7200 RPM 16 MB cache

[SaviorSelf]

That Asus is fucking beastly. i7 and a 5870 in a laptop? Get that lol

[Boyiee]

Get the Asus G73, either from best buy or online. The best buy models are a little watered down however.

Check tigerdirect as well for the other models. Some have a 1080p screen some are 1600x900, if you get the cheap best buy one order yourself some ram with it pump that shit to 8gb for only 1250$ total.

Note on the asus: You need to order a 100$+ bag to fit it properly if you plan on taking it places.

The Asus G73's are the absolute best gaming laptops on the market for their price right now. It handles Battlefield BC2 at full settings with pretty high FPS. It should have no problem with the games mentioned above.

[Fairy-Killer]

I have a Targus backpack that I bought for $40 to fit this beast Acer (16") I have atm. I figure that it will transfer pretty well as the Acer still has plenty of room in the backpack. I was reading Bestbuy review for the G73 last night and it seemed like 1/2-1/4 the people that bought it had trouble with something right out of the box. I figure that even if that happens I could run it back to the local Bestbuy but it still makes me wonder about the quality of Asus/Bestbuy. I also thought about the whole 8 GB of RAM. What RAM do you suggest from Newegg? Would I need to get just one more 2 GB slot or a whole new set? Thanks again in advance.

[Boyiee]

The bestbuy models are lower end, and can have all different types of ram in them. Most seem to have DDR3 1066 ram, but mine came with 1333. So wait until you get it and open the case to see which ram is actually in the laptop. Yes, newegg for it just a 2GB stick of whatever.

I got mine from bestbuy as well cause it seems some will have a broken speaker or something minor so you can just run it back to bestbuy. Mine was fine however. I don't think the targus will fit the asus - it's oddly shaped and literally HUGE its a truck of a laptop.

[Fairy-Killer]

I made a quick trip to bestbuy to take a break from studying for some finals. Luckily the Bestbuy had one of these bad boys set up and I went and messed with it. It seemed their model was working fine and it felt rather solid. The design isn't near as sleek as it could be but not too bad. I checked the backpack on the Targus site and it said not a recommended fit but I think it could fit in it regardless. Just would be a bit tight. Guess I should've taken my backpack with me and slipped it in rq without the Bestbuy guys noticing me.