help me choose a new laptop

[battosai02]

I'll be using this laptop for school and gaming. I'm looking at a 15-17 inch screen for around $1600-$1800. I play ffxiv, battlefield 4, and saints row games to name a few. Also I'm in the US.

I was looking at these 3 in particular but I'm open to suggestions.

I can get this for $1599
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Dell-Alienware-17-ANW17-7493SLV-Signature-Edition-Gaming-Laptop/productID.313304000

I can get this for $1643-$1703 depending on if I get the samsung sm951 or not.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8651s-clevo-p650se-p-8223.html?wconfigure=yes

I can get this for $1898-$1958 for the same reason.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8652s-clevo-p650sg-p-8133.html?wconfigure=yes

With each laptop I'll need an external dvd/Bluray player which will put the alienware at around $1699 total. All laptops are configured with win8.1 and 16gb ram. The main difference is the the gpu. I'm unsure if the alienware has m.2 slots though.

Any and all help is welcome truly appreciated.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Alienware laptops were originally made by Clevo till they got so popular that Dell bought them. It went downhill from there.

With the Clevo, you can go to pretty much any Clevo distributor and get the same build at the same price tho only the large ones offer stuff like custom painting. Some offer special discounts which ya can oft only get wind of by calling. The other difference is in quality of service. I prefer the smaller outfits where ya get more personal service.... talk to the same person whenever ya call, sales or service.

What it comes down to, as far as I can see with the last 2, is whether you want the 970m or 980m

 

[battosai02]

Thanks for the reply, do you know if the 970m can play ffxiv on high? I would like the sager with the 980m but it's quite a bit more than I was hoping to spend. And I got your opinion about the alienware haha.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Try calling Larry at LPC Digital .... he should be able to answer your questions and make sure to ask about discounts. This discount depends on your order total. It is possible to spend less by buying more.

I once saved money by adding something more expensive as bigger discount kicked in after $1750. Can't remember exactly but went something like this.

My total as $1742 with a net at $1642 after $100 discount.... By spending $10 more a better WiFi, my $1752 purchase netted a $150 discount and I spent $1602 saving $40

http://www.lpc-digital.com/notebook-review-members-military-and-student-discounts.html

 

[velo3100]

I would recommend the sagar with the gtx 980m as the extra price is worth the performance gain. The alienware is good but people say its overpriced.