17" gaming laptop under $2k...

I'm looking to get a new laptop and I'm not sure quite what to go for. I've got my desktop for sale/trade but I've been looking at different laptops and am not sure what to go for. I'd rather sell the desktop and get a new laptop, as I'm always a little wary of getting used equipment. So, let's say I have $2,000 to work with and this is what I want: Core 2 Duo(T7200+ preferably), fast graphics card, good size HD(100gb+), WSXGA or WUXGA screen, 1-2gb of RAM and the normal stuff(b/g wifi, BT, etc). My brother has a E1705 and it's a nice laptop and very much fits what I want. But, it looks identical to my current E1505 and I'm just not crazy over teh styling. I'd like to try something different, like a Asus/Sager/Alienware/etc, as I've had nothing but Dell's so far.

So, I was looking around and saw this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220099

It looks pretty nice, but I don't know anything about the x1700. How does it compare to say the 7900GS? Is it pretty similar? Since this laptop will be my only computer for a while I need it to game pretty decently. Is there anything else that fits in the budget and has the specs I listed above? What would you guys recommend?

As much as I like Dell's, the only ones I like styling wise are the Precision series and they're way too much $$$(and not really meant for gaming). I'd like something that looks a little more unique.

Yeah, I mean I like Dell's and that's why I've always had a Dell laptop. But, I would like to see what some of the other brands have to offer. With that said, I'll probably end up with a E1705 anyway, just because of the price and everything. We'll see though, I definitely won't snub a deal on something else if it fits what I want.

Anyone know a good review on the x1700? I'm trying to figure out if it's enough for me, or if I need to stick with a 7900 or better.

Thanks for the help so far!

Damn, the outlet is down. I'll have to check it later. I definitely wouldn't mind having a M90. How does the FX1500M and 2500M do with gaming? What are their normal card equivalents? I'd really like to get one, I just want to make sure I'll be able to game decently on it.

Most of the popular games. FEAR, HL2, Quake 4, Doom 3, GW, WOW, B&W2, etc. I'll want to be able to play stuff like Crysis and the new games that are coming out this year at a decent framerate. I don't play alot of FPS games, but if it's good enough and has a good story line I'll play it. I like RPG's better, but I'll play anything if it has good graphics and a good story line.

Looks like the 2500M would be perfect. I might have to find a M90 for myself.

Well, I might even see if I can get a M1710 through the outlet. I can get one configured new exactly how I want it(well, minus the 7950 GTX, I can live with a 7900 GS) for about $2500 with my EPP discount. If I can find one in the outlet for around $2k I would go for that. I think if I could find a M90 for the same price I'd go for it though, as I will likely be getting into engineering soon and it would be a perfect laptop for getting into CAD and stuff like that.

We'll see. Unfortunately Dell's site is saying that the outlet won't be open until the 26th. Aaarrrrrgggg. Oh well, I don't have the money yet anyway. I've got to get my desktop either sold or find someone with a M90 that wants a fast desktop.



Well, after seeing what JPBrown is about to order I'm now looking at a XVX system. They're much cheaper than pretty much anyone else and I can get a nice system for right around $2100. That's looking like a really nice option. Everyone seems to have alot of good things to say about the company, so I think that might be a great choice. Plus I could definitely deal with a 7950 GTX in my laptop.

I'm getting excited about this now. I was kinda meh about getting another Inspiron. Now that I'm seeing some nicer options I'm getting pretty stoked about this.

Yeah, because I might get into engineering a M90 might be a great choice if I can get a good deal on one. If not I think the Monstrou-M S400 will be a great laptop for me anyway. Plus, the 7950 GTX is more powerful(in gaming) than the 2500M. It might not be quite as good for CAD though, I'm not sure.

Any other opinions? Looks like it'll mostly depend on if someone wants to trade or if I sell it outright. If I sell it outright I'll probably either get the S400 or a M90/M1710 if I can get one at the outlet.