ASUS G55VW vs N56VZ

[BCDragon]

I'm headed off to college and need a laptop for engineering and gaming. After searching for about a week, I've settled for either the G55VW or N56VZ.

N56VZ Specs:
Processor: i7 3610QM
RAM: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
Display: 1920x1080, 15.6"
Graphics: GT650M 2GB (DDR3)
HDD: 750GB 7200 RPM
Optical Drive: Blu-Ray, DVD R/W
Price: $1149 ($999 on sale)

G55VW Specs:
Processor: i7 3610QM
RAM: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
Display: 1920x1080, 16"
Graphics: GTX660M 2GB (GDDR5)
HDD: 500GB 7200 RPM
Optical Drive: Blu-Ray, DVD R/W
Price: $1249

The HDD isn't that big of a deal (I barely use 200GB on my desktop as it is), so the main thing I'm worried about is the graphics. I read that the only major difference between the two is the VRAM (DDR3 vs GDDR5), and other than that the cores are basically identical. Is GDDR5 a big enough improvement to justify spending the additional $100?

Also, I'm trying to get at least an Ivy Bridge i7 quad and decent graphics for as low a price as possible. If there's another laptop out there for cheaper, let me know.

[kanuk]

The cheapest way to get those specs is the HP Pavilion dv6, optioned out with the GT 650M and 1080p display.

I don't know how important portability is to you, but the G55 is quite chunky. However, that does give it the advantage of extremely good cooling.

The Lenovo Y580 also falls in that class - it has a GTX 660M and 1080p, but the display is glossy. The MSI GE60 might be a good alternative as well, if you don't mind the garish styling.