Each machine has some fairly balanced specs. I'm actually surprised, but I shouldn't be, that the prices landed around the $2k mark. I assume that's how these OEM make their money-- off extras.
...
EDIT:
If you're a gamer, a computer is always a top priority
I'd have to agree. I don't know anyone who has a computer but goes w/o a printer. That just doesn't make any sense! I've used the *bleep* out of my Dell 922 or whatever it is. It's about dead-- gripes about wanting to retire. I tell it to shut up, close the lid, do it's job, and I won't have to smack it-- then it cooperates for a little while. But then there's the problem of ink cartridges...apparently the cartridges stopped getting made for machines after they reach the ancient age of... 7+ years! And then there's the whole deal w/ these new t.v.'s (first NEW t.v. I've bought in... um, since before my son was born! He's a pre-teen)...
Wow, thinking about all that has gotten me sleepy. Time for bed.
Thanks to all the contributors. I will ponder more later, vacillate repeatedly, and finally come to a conclusion... but I might close on my house and get my appliances before that... and by that time, there might be a newest latest and greatest laptop out!
~~CierraShore
[EDIT]
p.s.
Okay, thoughts on the two builds listed previously, but HP w/ a 1TB extra HDD instead of the 640, and a couple of other 'extras' change that raised the price (to my nice surprise) only $100. I am really leaning towards this build, in spite of the ATI graphics card, and in spite of my feelings about HP. The build for the price is what's making me seriously, seriously consider it. Given the major hardware upgrades, I would like some more input from other on whether HP is a better choice over the Dell build? Toshiba has a smaller screen size, and I really am looking for a desktop replacement, so that's a factor. I don't care for a glossy screen, but I might be able to get over that if this is a really rockin' build. I do not have enough experience to guide me in my choice, and am just kind of going with my gut while doing the custom build. By all means, I am open to having the build "picked apart," so that I can gain understanding and know better how to make a kicking build which won't require me to do a whole lot afterward-- as in, I want it kickin' straight out of the box!
In case anyone is wondering how I went from comparing Asus/Toshiba to HP/Dell, um, a whole lot of vacillation, and being directed to think outside
my box of antiquated information. Also, all the reviews I read of Asus that were 'negative' were mostly because of serious lack of customer support. I like their Bamboo model, but it doesn't come in the 17" screen size, nor (to my finding), the i7 processor. Just a little FYI to anyone who cares.
Thanks again, all!
p.p.s.
Candlebbq, I just re-read your information about graphics cards, and this time it's finally 'clicked' in my brain. Admittedly, I'm a little slow in. . . well, in most areas. Thanks for posting that information. Can I assume, in putting together everything that's been written here, that ATI graphics card on a Windows system (particularly Win7 OS) won't cause my previously horrid issues, and they are competitive with nVidia?
Thanks again for your time.
~~CierraShore
