Need advice to replace ASUS G73

Ok, I'm getting that 3 year itch to replace my laptop. I need some advice from you pros out there. :major

I'm a bit spoiled my current ASUS, but I hate it's huge size and that it takes a tech 1.5 hours to tear it down to clean the fans.

So, here is what I am in the market for, with a budget of 1200$ give or take a bit:

Demands:
CPU: i7 or better
Graphics: whatever is decent but affordable right now
RAM: 8G +
HD: I would like to go SSHD, at least 500G, but 1 TB would be better
Sound: dont care about sound at all

And Windows OS, wireless, ethernet, DVD drive, USBs, and the oldschool external monitor hookup (I teach, need it for a projector). I also like the backlit keyboard, but not totally necessary.

Usage:
I used to play games like Fallout 3 or other fairly intensive graphics hogs, and I would like the possibility of doing so on my new PC. But mostly now I use it for PPTs, streaming videos, flash, internet, and boring work crap.

So, any advice on which models to get and where to look? I've browsed, but not seen anything that makes me super excited yet.

 

I don't know if that is a typo - you want a 500 - 1tb SSD?

That alone will eat up almost half your budget.

All you need is a 64-128GB SSD and get external HDDs for your other info.

 

Well, my current computer has dual 500GB mechanical drives, so I was thinking one with dual 250G SSDs ought to be possible. I need that much, because I work in China and travel a lot, so my computer is essential for work, entertainment, and things like bills, banking, etc. So I need the space, but I can't haul an external around all the time. If the SSDs are still so tiny and expensive, I might have to wait another year. (My current comp needs a new battery, and I think one HD is almost shot, but I can keep it going for a while I think).

 

Take a look at this page:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Hard-Dr...es/pcmcat186100050005.c?id=pcmcat186100050005

Scroll down to Portable Hdds - you can get one that would serve your needs and doesn't need a power source.

The WD 1tb is $89.99.

Also, if your current Hdds are failing, make sure you have your OS backup.

I use Acronis Trueimage to take a snapshot of hdd and if there is a crash you can do full recovery including OS. updates, etc.

If you have a Seagate, Maxtor or WD hdd, you can download the program for free:


Seagate: http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=d9fd4a3cdde5c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD


WD Maxtor: http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119

 

Hi,
I saw this today and think it would suit your needs perfectly.

It comes with a 128gb SSD.

With the link for the portable hdd, you would have more than enough space and the price falls below your budget.

If you purchase from Staples, sign up for there Rewards Card and you will get a rebate as well.

http://www.staples.com/HP-13-2150nr-SpectreXT-133-Laptop/product_985043

Good luck!!



Paul

It also has a 3.0 usb, so the external hdd would give you extra speed.

Here's one more to consider.

http://www.frys.com/product/7544686?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG