New Gaming Laptop Questions

Hi everyone,

After 8 hours of research, I finally have a good idea of what I want, now the trouble is finding it So far I've been really impressed with IBuyPower.com and KillerNotebooks.com, so I thought I'd post here for some more input.

Here's what I want:
Intel Core-Duo - 1.83 - 2.0 (Upgradeable to Core 2 Duo)
Graphics - x1600 or better
Memory - 1GB Single Slot (Upgradeable to 2GB in the future or if price permits)
Screen - 17" preferred, but can deal just fine with 15.4"
DVD Burner - Any
Wireless - Good internal or external with MIMO/Super G or some other optimized connection.
HDD - SATA 5400 or 7200 in the 80 - 100GB range

Everything else is just icing on the cake (internal camera, MMC reader, bluetooth, etc.)

Now, I'd like to keep my price point below $2000 if possible, but I'm having a hard time finding this configuration outside of places like Alienware (yeah right, like I'm going to pay that).

Here are the two I'm considering right now:
HEL-80 from IBuyPower.com
and
Wakazachi from KillerNotebooks.com

The HEL-80 is the cheaper way to go, as I can get it configured with a 7600GT, 2.16 Core-Duo, 2GB of RAM, and a 100GB hard drive for just over $1600.

The Wakazachi just barely tops my $2000 mark with the same setup, but an x1600, 7200 RPM hard drive, and better RAM.

So, here's my questions:

1. What kind of performance difference am I likely to see with the 7600GT vs the x1600 in terms of WoW or even BF:2?

2. Is there any other place that can offer this same setup in a 17" package without charging an extra $500?

If there is no other options, and I can convince myself that the price justifies it, I may go with KillerNotebook's Executioner as well (if you have any in stock that is )

Thanks ahead for any input.

RE: 1. I have the latest version of the wakazaichi and play WoW and BF 2 on it. So far everything has been crisp and smooth, and I currently am the Alpha of the WoW pack with it. Heck I even let one of the teenage FPS players go nuts with it at work and he loved it. And this boy is SERIOUS about FPS.

Both cards will work well for you though. I love Nvidia, but you work with what you can get.

RE:2. Probably not without sacrificing quality elsewhere.

If you really want that 17" and have the bucks go for it. I know I did originally but realized that the 15.4 suited me better in terms of mobility. And I didn't lose any quality.

Talk with K.N. he may be able to work with you a bit.