Having browsed Bestbuy, it looks like it has the best options - it is a big brand (so parents will trust), it has good prices and its laptops will mostly have international warranties. I'm considering one of the higher end ones, like the MSI GT789-221US, perhaps something with only 8gb RAM, are there any which I should be looking at instead (don't bother if it's out of stock/over $1500US)?

I've asked P4Laptops and apparently the Metabox warranty is exclusive to Australia, which means I'll have to pay quite a lot just to ship it over to get any issues fixed. However, the website seems good for prices, etc, are there any laptops from any other brands which fit my criteria/are in my price range? I will ask which brands have an international warranty

get an i7 quad core, as fast as u can afford, 2.2ghz will probably fit the price. for graphics card u need no less then a GT555m or a 6770. anything bigger then this is perfect. if ur allowed to chip in cash to get higher specs then go for it, with laptops no being upgradable. Down here in australia there is an white ASUS with an i5 dual core and blu ray, with gt555 that would fit ur price. also HP have the DV6 series with the beats audio stamp, i7 with the 6770.

kungfool69

I'm not great with specs, but the fact that the Asus you mentioned is in Australia is reassuring - my parents (like most from generation X) are not comfortable with ordering expensive stuff from far away. I'll try reason with them, but they are paying so I can't guarantee anything. Also, if I went with Alienware I would have to go with Ebay or an independent seller, as the Dell store will just reroute to its overpriced NZ equivalent. Could you post a link to the Asus? Does it have the grunt to play (moderately) more recent games? What is the process to upgrade it, and how much extra might it cost?

I've emailed Xotic, it says the battery life is 2-3 for the Sager. How've you found the battery? Would you say that's enough of a battery life (I'm not sure how often I'll be running on battery, if anyone is a university student your input is appreciated)?

Hey, so I've checked NZ prices and they're far higher than US prices, I haven't yet consulted with my parents as to whether they're ok with ordering online, but hopefully it'll be fine (considering the saved money). Are there any forseeable issues with ordering overseas besides the power plug (would any companies be able to ship with an AUS/NZ plug)? Also, if I were to get the Sager, are Xotic PC and Malibal reliable providers?

At the moment the three most likely would be the Qosmio, the Sager or the Alienware (the 14x is in my price range, is it worth the upgrade?). Are there any downsides to those three that I should be taking into account? Which of the three will have more longevity in terms of future games?

Thanks for all of your input so far

Thanks, since running it smoothly is out of the question, will the recommended ones run it? I don't mind lower settings etc. Is is the same story for Skyrim?

I'm just about to leave home to go to university, and I have been offered a birthday gift of a laptop. I've had a look at a variety online, however I'm quite new to the process so I don't know if I'm looking in the right places/for the right things. Considering I will no longer have a Playstation, or access to my home's desktop, so I'm looking for something with considerable grunt. Basically, I'd like something that:

- Will be able to play Skyrim and BF3 without struggling

- Will have a reasonable lifespan for future PC gaming

- Will also function well as a laptop, for work, DVDs, etc

- Will not have any glaring flaws (poor battery life, bad design, constant crashes)

My price cap is probably around $1200US/£740/$1120AUS (not including mouse, etc), and I'm in New Zealand, so no obscure region exclusive indie products if possible. Thanks everyone in advance for your suggestions, sorry if I've asked for something which isn't possible at that price range :D