Engineering/Light Gaming w/ Back-lit KB + HD Screen ($1300 max)

[slapshot30]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a good laptop as I move on to college. I will be doing some engineering work on this (specifically I am going into architectural engineering). I will also do some light gaming and programming. An HD screen is a must. I would also really like a back-lit keyboard if possible with my given budget. I've been looking into the Clevo P150EM, but it got pretty pricey when I went and customized one. I need an i7 processor but I'm not sure that I need that good of a graphics card. I've heard many people say you do most your demanding engineering work in labs or computers provided by the university. My laptop I use now doesn't even have a dedicated GPU, and it's bearable to do a little AutoCAD work on it. So that makes me think a 650M will do alright with most the work? What are some of my options?


1) What is your budget?
$1000-$1300
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
b. Dislike: Apple
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
Not really
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Engineering university work, moderate gaming, programming
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Both
8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
Not too demanding. Nothing like BF3 or Skyrim, I have a PS3 for that.
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
preferably 4+
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Without seeing is okay
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer?
I would really like a 1080 HD display

13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really
15) When are you buying this laptop?
Within a month or two
16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
Hopefully all 4 years of college

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
300-500GB is fine. Unsure if I need an SSD or not...
18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
Not necessarily

[stephenju]

This will probably suit your need:
Newegg.com - SONY VPCF23EFX/B Notebook Intel Core i7 2670QM(2.20GHz) 16.4" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD±R/RW NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M

[pepper_john]

Thinpad T520 with a display upgrade

[slapshot30]

Those both look like pretty good options. Although, the Sony might be too big for my needs. I'm not sure if I dig the light on the Lenovo. Does anyone have any experience with a backlit keyboard vs that light on the Lenovo?

Sent from my HTC Vivid

[pepper_john]

see this review

Techdad Review Lenovo ThinkPad T420/T520 Laptop

[slapshot30]

see this review

Techdad Review Lenovo ThinkPad T420/T520 Laptop

Looks like its a pretty good add on. The only thing is with the upgraded i7 and the screen upgraded to 1080, its over my budget.
EDIT: And that video card doesn't look like it has very good benches. I'm thinking a middle class GeForce might be a better fit.


Sent from my HTC Vivid

[pepper_john]

there is a discount for students, some guy posted a link in another thread.

in any case, i7 is probably an overkill. I have a lowly first generation i3 and feel it is enough.