Okay, then... my impatience got the better of me. I hope I don't regret the choice!

With only minor changes to the accessory portions, I went with the HP dv7 custom build:
dv7t (champagne color)
Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OS; Intel Core i7-740QM (1.73 GHz 6MG L3 cache) w/ Turbo boost;
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 DDR3 graphics for quad core (this is one of my concerns--ATI)
8GB DDR3 system memory (2 DIMM)
640 GB 7200RPM HDD w/ HD protection
6 cell standard battery
17.3" diagonal HD+ LED BrightView Wide screen (1600x900)
TrueVision webcam & integrated mic
LightScribe Super Multi 8x DVD+/-RW w/ Double layer Support
Intel wireless N Card w/ Bluetooth
standard keyboard
Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium


It won't be ready until next month (wahhhh, no immediate gratification! But, that's the result of customizing a computer, right?). I may post back here a review of the comp if any one is interested in seeing how it stands up to general productivity, and most definitely in regards to Larian games, particularly the DKS! smile

Thanks for all the info, links, and input from everyone. I appreciate it. I also hope that readers gained valuable insight as well.

All best,
~~CierraShore

"I don't need to get a life. I'm a gamer, I have LOTS of lives!"