Go with the z71v... you can always upgrade the processor/graphics card later if you find the need too. As for the 'sparkles'.... they aren't visible after like a week. The lcd on the laptop is one of the best i have ever used....
I'm a z71v owner. This laptop rules. Graphics card RULES.
FINAL WORD ON SPARKLES:
When I first got my laptop, I do notice some "sparkles" on pure colors. After 2 days, they were gone. What do i mean by 'gone'? They were...
i get a score of 2420 on 3d mark 2005. I wounldn't worry about this system being outdated, as it's processor(sonoma) is VERY new. Also, it uses PCI Express, which is VERY new as well....