New Laptop for School. Please Help.

[brembo]

Hey, I am getting a new laptop for university. Im going into engineering so ill need a powerful laptop in order to run the programs needed. So let me know what you think of these:

HP ENVY 17 3D 17.3" 1080P i7-2860QM 2.5GHZ 16GB 1.05TB 300GB SSD HD7690M LAPTOP | eBay

and

HP ENVY 17 3D 17.3" 1080P i7-2860QM 2.5GHZ 16GB 1.5TB BLU-RAY ATI HD7690M LAPTOP 885631502952 | eBay

same laptops, just one a an SSD and the other doesn't. I do not plan on using the 3D feature, the only reason why I'm getting a 3D laptop is because there the only 17 inch hp envy's on ebay with good components. By the way is the 3D graphics card the same as the non-3D graphics card?

So if you guys/girls have another recommendations for laptops let me know.

Thanks in advance.

[gamerish]

Can you fill this out please so we know specifically what you need?

Both seem incredibly overpriced to me.

[brembo]

Sorry I'm new to this forum.

1) What is your budget?
-Would prefer to spend under 2000.

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
-15"-17"

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
-Canada

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
-No Apple

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
-Possible

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
-CAD, video editing, and games

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
-Will be moved around

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
-Yes, BF3 and similar games.

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
-Anything over 6 hours but will consider less.

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?
-I have no problem buying it online

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
-Windows 7

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.
-1080p is a must.

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

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
-YES

15) When are you buying this laptop?
-Soon

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
-About 4 years to last through university

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
-At least 720GB but would like more.

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
-Doesn't matter.

[Mr_Mysterious]

Gaming and battery life do NOT go together. Otherwise I'd go for the NP6165. If you want better looks, look at the AW M14x.

Mr. Mysterious

[gamerish]

Okay looks are important so my first thought goes to MSI and Alienware. I recommend the MSI GT60 often because it combines power (i7-3610, GTX 670M, 12GB RAM, 1TB HDD) with good looks/build quality (metal on the lid and palm rest and lighting effects) and a good warranty (2 year limited with one year accidental protection through MSI) for $1500. They make a 17" model with the same specs (except for a 750Gb HDD) for $1550. Both have 1920x1080 displays - I'd go for the 15" since it's cheaper, has a bigger HDD and greater pixel density.

You could also go the Alienware route but that will go over your budget a little with the M17x and a 7970m (for me there's no point in getting an M17x without the 7970m). Unless, of course, you're okay with the 14" display on the M14x which is much more affordable than the M17x and much more portable than both the others.

[brembo]

What do you guys think about a dell precision m4600? Since I'm going to be needing it for CAD design next year, I want something that is powerful enough to run it.

My only problem is I'm currently on a macbook pro. So Ive been "spoiled", with a sub 1 inch laptop. So is 1.29-1.44 inches, would that be to large to carry around.