Laptop for $1000 to $1200

[xb2003]

Hey,
Im looking to purchase a laptop for $1000-$1200. Im a gamer and a musician, so i need something that will run my DAW on the go well. 17" Screen Size, all the good stuff.

Im looking at...

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=fncwn34b&model_id=inspiron-17r-se-7720&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

This Inspiron 17R. Its got great specs as far as i can tell, and it seems like its about as good as your going to find. Especially because my dad does a lot of business with Dell, and they usually give him better prices on computers. But ive checked ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Sony, etc....nothing ive found compares for the money. For $1050, this laptop seems like it should be pretty sick, but is there anyone who can comment on the quality, or something i have missed?

Thanks for the help in advance,
Jesse

 

[Kamen_BG]

http://www.xoticpc.com/forcemsi-1762-52007-670m-msi-gt70-barebones-p-4347.html?wconfigure=yes

This one is much better.

 

[xb2003]

Ok, so i like this:
http://www.xoticpc.com/msi-ge70-0nd033us-p-4577.html?wconfigure=yes
Much better. I don't need a 670, the most intensive game i play is minecraft.

I dont see any difference besides the 660 and a 750GB HD in the MSI, verses the 650 and a 1TB + 32gb SSD in the Dell. Granted the MSI has a 7200RPM drive. Do you recommend the MSI for any reason besides its got the better GPU? Is it built better or what?

Thanks.

 

[xb2003]

What is 1. asking? im confused. And yes, i have a copy of windows.

 

[xb2003]

Im open to a 15.6...but id rather have a 17. I think if its a 15 it needs a numpad. I use that constantly. As for the back lit keyboard, it'd be a nice luxury, But i've used laptops without them in the dark for years. But i will say id like to change my budget to $1100 tops. And thats kinda pushing it. I was hoping to get that dell for $950. If you can do anything in that range with i7 + 8GB Ram and Dedicated Graphics, i wanna see it. Im more into CPU then GPU, because i really dont game that much.

I like the look of this thing probably more then any ive seen so far.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9130-clevo-p151em1-p-4340.html?wconfigure=yes

 

[xb2003]

Not that, i mean this..
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np6370-clevo-w370et-p-4796.html?wconfigure=yes

Edit: I didnt realize that had an i5....Ugh...

 

[xb2003]

I have not had good experiences with Lenovo..i try to avoid them. Put a 3630 in that NP6175, and its a pretty good looking computer IMO. I dont like that it isn't a 2GB 650M...but at some point i have to compromise with myself.

Are Sagers good computers and all? Ive never used one before, or anything like that.

 

[xb2003]

I need the 3630, because i need the quad core cpu. Its a must.

Will this thing stay cool on its own, or will i need a cooler? And would the copper cooling upgrade help?

The dell i mentioned in the first post is the exact same computer as that HP, except its a 17.3" ???

 

[xb2003]

1. So why do you recommend the HP over the dell? Im just trying to learn, because this is my first real laptop.

2. For my DAW. Thats my main use in this laptop, is for recording and editing. And Studio One (the DAW) thrives on multi-threading. I also do some video editing, but not that much. The only games i play are Minecraft and The Sims 2.

3. So does anybody make a series of laptops that they took Cooling into mind? Or is it pretty much Load On System=Need Laptop Cooler?