Light gaming laptop for under $1500 2096, m50vm or...

[Xfactor56]

Can get the 2096 with a montevina 9400 and a 9600gt, or the m50vm the 9600gs. I like the asus layout with the number keypad, but hard to give up the better gpu. Any advice?
Thanks

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90) PRE ORDER (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2409%7B76%7D650%7B187 %7D1757%7B94%7D1074%7B92%7D2423%7B88%7D2410%7B186% 7D734%7B93%7D2044%7B193%7D2428%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D 1295%7B96%7D786%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7D 890%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2426%7B169%7D1449%7B119%7D 1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D1539%7B106%7 D1688%7B121%7D1532%7B108%7D710%7B109%7D711%7B170%7 D1591%7B173%7D1175%7B103%7D686%7B113%7D1413%7B111% 7D1414%7B69%7D1513)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- None Standard
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- 2GB Intel® Robson Turbo Memory II
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- None Standard
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- None Standard
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- None Standard
- None Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- None Standard
- None Standard
- 1 Year Parts & Labor, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Tech Support

Thought I would include build I am looking at and see if there are any changes I should make. Specifically, I know 4G Ram is overkill, but I wanted at least 3. Also, is turbo memory really valuable? Any other suggestions?

[The Bill]

It all comes down to what you want more... A numpad, or a slightly better GPU. If having a numpad is a pretty big thing for you then, yeah I'd take the drop from the GT to the GS. I looked around, and couldn't see any other notebook with a numpad on it that also fit in your price range, and has a better GPU, so this all comes down to your preferences.

Personally they can both handle games, the 9600M GT can handle most of todays games so you'd be happy with it, in my personal oppinon I'd sacrifice the layout, for the better GPU. As a suggestion you could always go out and buy an external USB Numpad, =/

Bill

[Xfactor56]

That makes sense. Looks like Asus just came out with a new G50 through Best Buy with a pretty weak cpu, but a better gpu. I wonder how much longer until that model will be available with some better cpu options on xoticpc, and if they are going to be in my price range.
In your opinion, would you say that Sager and Asus are comparable with regard to reliability and customer service?
I appreciate your input... thanks

[The Bill]

Sagar has always been reliable, by this I mean the keys on your keyboard aren't cheap plastic (They won't fade over time), and the chassis is sturdy as hell, and the customer support is pretty good with Sagar (Not to mention XoticPC). I have only used one Asus in my lifetime, and I found that the keys began to fade after a couple weeks, and the touchpad became less... Touchable after a while (dirty, it lost sensitivity). The chassis was on, but I wouldn't compare its build to Sagar. As for the customer support, I really wouldn't know, I never had to use there customer support.

Hands down Sagar wins in my oppinon. You could always save your money and buy one of the newer models (A decent gaming laptop, but not to powerful for $1,700 roughly).

As for when the new Asus G50 will be onsale here, that'd be a question for one of the XoticPC Staff members.

[EDIT: Didn't see that you edited your original post. I don't believe 3GB of ram is an option while ordering your top, though 4GB will last you a long time, if you have 4GB of ram, I don't think you need Turbo Memory (It makes your computer go a touch faster, woo /sarcasm). I don't see a selected OS in there, so I assume you have a 64-bit vers. of Vista already. That is a pretty solid build, I'd stick with it over an Asus any day.]

Bill

P.S. How much total did that rig cost?

[Anewbus]

My 2 cents: I would definitely go with a Sager NP2096. Then all you have to do is either get a USB numpad or a regular USB keyboard with numpad and your all set. :) Either of those are cheap as ol' chips too.

[Xfactor56]

The 2096 came out to $1377 as I have it in the previous post. You are correct, I forgot the OS. I am pretty sure that I have the 64, but I will have to confirm. Again, I appreciate the advice. These forums are a fantastic source of information and I really appreciate your help.
Thanks