Gaming/Multimedia Laptop

[JoeFahey]

*My budget is $1,500.

*The GPU's for the two listed below seem to be about as good as it gets for my budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-X875-Q7380-17-3-Inch-Diamond-Textured-Aluminum/dp/B009D1UW2I

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/MSI+-+17...specifications


*My performance requirements are somewhat flexible and I am just comparing laptops on a case-by-case basis for the best graphics and speed vs. price (would prefer Blu-ray but not needed, etc.).

*The larger the screen the better (15" minimum). While portability is a necessity, it will mostly function as a desktop replacement and remain in one location. Weight isn't a concern.

Thoughts on the two listed above? Suggestions on other models?

Thanks!

 

[lakedude]

Did you notice one has the 670M and the other has the MX? The M part is old 40nm Fermi technology and the MX is the newer 28nm process. I believe that the 28nm part has significant advantages so one vote for the MSI with the MX part.

 

[lakedude]

Also I believe that the Toshiba is a glossy screen while the MSI has a matte screen. I prefer the matte screen so that is another strike against the Tosh IMO. Of course if you like glossy that is plus one for the Tosh.

 

[JoeFahey]

Great catches. Leaning towards the MSI now.

 

[lakedude]

Here is a pic showing some of the video cards available:

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7066/laptopgraphics.png

Notice how the MX parts are 28nm while the 670m and 675m are 40nm.

The 40nm parts are power suckers.

I'm looking at similar laptops myself and that one at Best Buy is tempting.

The other one I'm looking at has a 7970m which is one the best single video cards you can get in a laptop, but it is paired with and AMD A10-4600 which isn't the greatest.

The GT70 0NC-494US laptop has a bigger screen, better CPU, and backlit keyboard, while the GX60-1AC-021US is $100 cheaper and has the awesome 7970m!

It is a rough call.

 

[lakedude]

So I almost pulled the trigger on that BB-MSI @ $1299.99 but tax would bump it up almost another $100.

Instead I'm trying to price match with xoticpc. If they pricematch there should be no tax...

If they don't match the price I'll take it as a sign to get the 7970m model.