Need help configuring laptop.

Ok guys, i know there is a little format thing stickied at the top, but it in general doesn't apply to what i'm looking to do.

So first a little backstory, i've been in the whole desktop "enthusiast" game for quite a while now (17+) years, and i've up to this point never had even what could be considered a viable reason to own a laptop. Consequently i never looked at, read reviews, or generally did anything that could be deemed research into laptop hardware.

So, such being the case of life, things change, and i find myself in a position where i could benefit from the ownership of a laptop.

I am first and foremost a gamer, or i guess what would be called a "power user". I dont code C++ or anything like that, but i know the ins and outs of computer hardware pretty damn well.

What i need your guys knowledge for is so that i am not lead astray, as i dont know which components are going to be a waste of money, etc. (i.e. in the desktop world buying a "SE" version of a card or budget version etc, when for say $40 you could get a actual gaming card thats 2x as fast, that type of thing.)

My ultimate need for the laptop is to be a portable computer for normal use, internet, finances, you know the easy stuff, that will also perform *decently* at gaming. I have my desktop for the true gaming, so i wont be playing things like crysis/farcry2 or anything really graphically intensive on the laptop.

Mainly i would like to be able to play EVE online at decent graphic settings, sins of a solar empire, civ IV, etc.

I would like to keep it at or around $2k if possible (or under would work). Would like a 17" widescreen with at least 1680x1050 as i would on occasion use it for movies.

I dont need a gang of HDD space, though i would like a fast disk, preferrably 7200rpm at or around 160gigs.

I checked out alienware's website (i'm loathe to buy from them as IMO their desktops are for kids with too much money and no sense, but i hear they make excellent laptops /shrug) and they seem to have some things that would probably fit. I'm just not sure if the single GeForce 8700m is gonna be enough or if i really need to spring for SLI, etc.

Weight is really a non issue, the lappy is gonna be more of a portable computer rather than an actual "laptop", i.e. i will be using it on my desk at work, table at school, that type of thing. Battery life also isnt a super huge deal as in most situations it will be plugged in.

Any help, links to FAQs, just anything you guys can throw my way so i can research up on this would be great. Also any reccomendations on places to buy.

Sorry again for the rambling incohesive post, i'm just weird like that ;-). Thanks again all.

Cool, thats pretty much what i needed. I took a look at the sagers, may end up with that one. Though, admittedly, the nerd in me really likes the M17x lol (asthetics on that lappy = hot)