What's a good gaming laptop?

One of my dreams came true today when the MD walked into my office and said that I could get myself a new work laptop. He had no problems with the cost (within reason) and wants one for himself as well.

I rebuilt my beloved gaming machine about a month ago as a media center so I'd like to get myself a laptop I can use for gaming as well. Problem is, I've been an IT Manager for about 7 years now and am out of touch with today's hardware... so I'm starting my research from scratch.

Any advice on particular laptops to look at or anything to be wary of when getting a laptop for gaming? I've always been a PC gamer so the whole laptop thing is a bit wierd. They need to be from a "mainstream" company so we can organise decent warranty support and purchase on a company account.

PC games I'm particularly looking forward to are Crysis 2, Rogue, Diablo 3, Starcraft 2. So I need something able to play stuff like that.

Any advice where to start? I'm already on my way to look at XPS and Alienware machines but any advice is welcome.

what about alienware ? I also heard of the Asus G range

what about alienware ? I also heard of the Asus G range

bennobee

Thanks guys, after doing a bunch of research I've got quote requests in for the following

ASUS G51JX G51JX-FHD-SZ152X Notebook

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
Intel Core i7 Quad CORE 720QM 1.6GHz Processor
Mobile Intel PM55 Express Chipset
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M with 1024MB GDDR3 VRAM
8GB DDR3 1066MHz Memory
1 x 500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
Bluray DVD Combo Drive
15.6" Full HD Colourshine (1920x1080)
HDMI
2 Mega Pixel Camera
802.11n
Bluetooth

ASUS G73JH G73JH-TZ008X Notebook

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
Intel Core i7 720QM Quad Core 1.6GHz Processor
Mobile Intel PM55 Express Chipset
ATI Radeon 5870 with 1024MB GDDR3 VRAM
8GB DDR3 1066MHz Memory
500GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Bluray DVD Combo Drive
17.3" WUXGA Colourshine (1920x1280)
HDMI
2 Mega Pixel Camera
802.11n
Bluetooth

Both look like they'll suit my needs and fall under $2500 (the G51 looks like it'll be around $1800). Not too shabby at all :)

Well to throw you off some more by recomending something other than Asus, http://www.xoticpc.com. It will be the Sager NP8690, configure it with the i7 720, 500gig 7200rpm, and the 1920x1080 screen and you will still come out to about $1600 or so I beleive.

This laptop is really good, and should be perfect for an IT person as it doesnt really look like a gaming laptop while still packing a huge punch. Comes standard with the 5870m, 4gigs, and then recommended specs above. The screen though while same res as the Asus, is said to be the best out of all 15.6" laptops.

I've read about the Asus you listed, it has a BSOD problem, which I think may have been fixed, but I've read about them a lot. And the 1080p screen is said to be subpar, which also a 360m is meh compared to a 5870m and to top it all off, the Sager will give you much better cooling as it uses 2 fans and not a silly 1 fan for CPU/GPU desigb.

So yeah, unless you are going the G73 route, look into the Sager NP8690, and stay away from Asus 15" laptops unless you only plan on spending a 1,000 or so.

Edit, any more questions just PM, I've been researching laptops for a long time now. So I'll be glad to help where I can. I've also owned the G73 for a while, but had to return it due to GSODs(which is a ATI problem, but more so only been a problem with the Asus G73s.)

Thanks for the advice. I was getting really excited about that machine until I realsed that it was US only. Shipping to AU is about $350 and I'd hate to think what warranty repairs would be like :S

I'm in Aus so I need something local here. I'm sent them a query regarding Australian retailers/resellers though so, fingers crossed...

Dammit why are these things so huge? I've been looking at the two Asus units mentioned above and also the Alienware M17x and M15x. Those units suits my needs a little better (I don't mind the additional price) however the physical size and weight of the machines is phenominal!!!

Actually that's the same with the G73 as well. 45cm wide!!! And the mongrels won't sell me a bag for it :(

I'll post what I end up with but, at this stage, it's going to be the Asus G51JX-FHD-SZ152X because of size...and even that's not so tiny!

Most of them seem to last about an hour which, TBH, isn't a problem for me anyway. I need a single machine I can take to each of our branches, use at my desk and use at home. That covers the work bases, the rest is gaming. Not really needing to use it on the go so an hour is more than adequate :)

Here're the comparisons so far. Check out the size and weight. I had a lot more in the comparison list but the other brands don't seem to be able to hold up against these guys so far.