Need gaming laptop advice?

[ja83]

Hello everyone

Long time no see. I started back at college today ( yay! =X ). This is my second semester at the University, and I feel the time has come for me to get a laptop. I won't lie but I am a huge gamer.

This laptop would be for school purposes, but if I'm going to get a laptop I might as well get a gaming one. My school offers wireless broadband throughout the whole campus. =)

My budget is from $1500 to $2000 for a new laptop. A friend recommended the Dell XPS with ATi for a gaming one, but I would like some other opinions. I would like a 17 inch screen with a good graphics card, 1-2 GB of RAM, and a nice battery life. I plan on mainly playing Guild Wars and maybe some decent first person shooters.

So what's the best for my buck gaming laptop I can get in my price range ($1500-$2000)?


Thanks in advance!
Joe

[glc]

You aren't going to get a XPS for under 2 grand. You are looking at $2500 for a 1710 with 2 gigs ram and a 7900GS. Vista *ONLY* now - no more XP.

You can get an Inspiron E1705 with a C2D and a 7900GS in the $1700's. Choose the one for $1415 and customize it - the 2gb ram and C2D are free upgrades right now.

[ja83]

Thank you very much for your input. I am going to go with the Inspiron E1705.
I know this model has a wireless internet card, but does it also have a network card so I can plug it into my router at home?

Thanks

[glc]

Yep.