Sager NP9150 vs. Malibal Lotus P150EM SE, $2100 budget for gaming

[fiyace]

I've customized both to be as close to exactly equal as possible and both came out to be just below $2100. The only feature I'm questioning that now separates the two is whether or not the SteelSeries backlit chiclet keyboard offered on the Sager is worth the upgrade. Listed below are also other features I'm curious about. Can anyone opine?

Key features I've selected include:
95% color gamut, matte <---- is this worth it?
GTX 680 4gb <----- worth it over the 7970?
500gb HDD 4gb SDD Memory
i7 3610QM <---- since only used for gaming/in the classroom, no need to upgrade

16gb RAM @ 1333 <---- better for gaming than 12gb @ 1600?
Bigfoot Network Wireless Card <--- worth it over next-best option?

If you have any other questions regarding the parts I've selected, ask away. Also, what parts would you select on a ~$2100 budget to maximize gaming graphics and battery life (ironic, I know, but for example is there a difference in battery life between the 680/7970, 12gb RAM @ 1600 vs. 16 @ 1333, etc...)

[HTWingNut]

I would go with standard matte screen and 7970m and get a big SSD at least 240GB, with caddy in the optical bay for the 500GB. Heck you can find 512GB Crucial m4's for under $350 now. Go with 8GB DDR3 1600, you can add another 8GB later easily if you get 2x4GB with this setup. 16GB is absolute overkill, cheap and easy to upgrade later if you decide you need/want it.

I'd say Intel 6300 is just as good as Bigfoot Wireless. But your choice.

[maverick1989]

I concur on all except the WiFi card. I read a review on anandtech that the Killer actually gets more throughput but has significantly less range. I would suggest you make your choice based on that. If you are going to college, you might want to get the 6300 because routers can be pretty far some times.

Also, if you really want to judge between the two GPUs, I'd say you wait a couple of weeks. The first 680m equipped laptops should ship out in a few days and in a couple weeks, there will be enough reviews for you to decide.

[fiyace]

I concur on all except the WiFi card. I read a review on anandtech that the Killer actually gets more throughput but has significantly less range. I would suggest you make your choice based on that. If you are going to college, you might want to get the 6300 because routers can be pretty far some times.

Also, if you really want to judge between the two GPUs, I'd say you wait a couple of weeks. The first 680m equipped laptops should ship out in a few days and in a couple weeks, there will be enough reviews for you to decide.

If I wait that long, when do you think I'd get it by assuming I order the 680 (which I assume will have a longer waiting time)? And the range from the 6300 is definitely most important for me so I will definitely get it. Thanks for your the info.

[babymoon]

I concur on all except the WiFi card. I read a review on anandtech that the Killer actually gets more throughput but has significantly less range. I would suggest you make your choice based on that. If you are going to college, you might want to get the 6300 because routers can be pretty far some times.

Also, if you really want to judge between the two GPUs, I'd say you wait a couple of weeks. The first 680m equipped laptops should ship out in a few days and in a couple weeks, there will be enough reviews for you to decide.

I have just started looking at the Alienware for the same reasons, a global warranty would be a big advantage.

[HTWingNut]

Alienware will come at a significant cost penalty, like $400-$500 more than a comparably equipped Clevo, and less configurable options. I'm sure for that cost difference you could easily find some international warranty, considering you'd have to add on extra $200+ for a Dell warranty in addition.