Ok I haven't thoroughly read the replies because it just seems to be a lot of bickering but here are my suggestions, based on reading too much about laptops:
Processor: i5 should be 'good enough' but to upgrade to an i7 is not that much more relative to your budget of $2000, so I would go with an i7.
My suggestion is either i7-2630qm/i7-2670qm, or i7-2720qm/i7-2760qm. In terms of what I consider reasonably priced common i7 processors, these processors would be, respectively, low+original/low+refresh , high+original/high+refresh. The upgrade from 26xx to 27xx is not insignificant, so I would say its more of a personal choice.
GPU: From what I've read, nvidia has a more mature graphics switching function (optimus vs whatever amd has... I forget) which may or may not be a concern for you. Also, personally, I find that nvidia gpus are easier to keep track of... in terms of GTX cards, it follows the form GTX xyz where x is the generation, y is the relative position within a generation and z I dont know. I only have a lowly gt 540m so I am by no means an expert, but from what I read I get the feeling that the gtx 560m is a solid card, and gtx570 would be the 'new' thing. I'm too stupid to figure out how amd card numbers work so I haven't bothered reading about them, but you should since you'll be the one who has to live with your decision.
ram: 6 gb sounds like the sweet spot for general purpose laptops with a limited budget, in my opinion. However, i feel like 4gb is the highest reasonably priced ram and in general, 1x4gb is the lowest configuration you can get for the range of laptops you are considering so I woudl recommend getting 1x4gb from the factory, if you can, and buying another 4gb stick to put in yourself. It is easy easy easy as long as you take some precautions. the first time might be a bit scary (feels like you might break something) but once u've done it a single time, you can do it every other time. Its a lot cheaper than an additional 4gb from the factory as well. A single 2gb stick is something like $10 at most, and a 4gb stick is maybe $20 at most so why not go with 8gb over 6gb. Some higher end gaming laptops (maybe most...) come with 4 ram slots so in that case, a final configuration of 4x2gb might be a bit faster than 2x4gb while also more reasonable than 4x4gb, so just keep that in mind.
gpu ram is completely separate from system ram. This is also something I ahven't looked into much, but from waht I've gathered, more ram is only needed for playing at higher resolutions, and 2gb ram is too much for gt540m =P
I would say 1.5gb video memory is good for playing at up to 1080p resolutions, and more if you plan on playing at higher resolutions/multiple monitors. Maybe 2gb for higher resolution, 3gb for multi mon? Just use this as a starting point for your research, my numbers might be out of date.
Other things you might want to consider (aka my personal ideal configuration =P ) is having a ssd as a primary drive, 128gb minimum or 256 gb if you want to splurge. Then, a secondary mechanical hard drive for storing media. Optical drive is somewhat uselss but nice to have for install/recovery cds. Don't buy vertex 2, just had one die on me =(
Better network card, either configure with most basic and upgrade yourself (more time/effort, less $$) or just configure one from the factory. Basic summary: the 1x1 or 2x2 mimo or even 3x3 you see refer to the number of input/output streams available.... make sure u have enough antennas for the number of steams your netwoirk card can handle. To take full advantage of it, you'll need a good router too. Haven't read too much into it, but I think 2x2 card with a router that has simultaneous 2.4ghz/5ghz is a nice set up.
Screen: get a 1080p resolution screen for sure. wahts the point of being able to multitask well if you cant physically fit the applications onto your tiny screen?
Keyboard: Make sure the buttons are in a layout you are comfortable with/don't mind. A switched fn/ctrl key or some bilingual monstrosity might seem like just a minor issue but it will drive you insane. I mean, almost 100% of your interaction with your computer will be through your keyboard/touchpad. Sure you can get a usb keyboard but why settle when you don't have to? Backlit is a really useful feature as well, not so much for typing but more for pressing single keys in relative darkness (like turning up or down the volume while watching a movie in the dark, keyboard shortcuts etc..) Usually not that much more, well worth the price.
Ports and stuff:
display: make sure you have what you want, especially if you are going for external monitors. Obviously you can get cheap adaptors/cables off sites like monoprice, and now you'll know to order ahead =) I bought a monitor and after it arrived, it sat around unused for a month while I waited for the cables. Learn from my mistake.
In general, display port/dvi for 'legit' monitor usage, hdmi for media monitors/tvs (with sound and stuff), vga for old technology (e.g. projectors at school).
others:
usb 2.0 should be a given, usb 3.0 looks like a good speedy general use port and thuderbolt looks good if you are willing to spend the $$. Multiple headphone jacks if you want to dabble in amateur djing. Make sure you have enough usb ports to plug in all your fancy gaming gear (laptop fan, keyboard, mouse, usb headsets etc..)
cooling/fans:
Easy. Find a laptop that you want and google "laptop xyz fan noise" or "laptop xyz overheating problem". Read every relevant result on the first few pages and avoid laptops with problems that you don't think you can live wuith.
ok finally after all that, the most important aspect of all: brand.
Now, there are many brands that I do not know much about and even less that I've tried or had first hand experience with so most of my recommendations will be from what I read online.
Quick summary:
Dell - the 'safe' option... 3 year acidental warranty covers almost everything. Conservative, although heat seems to be an issue. Pricing isn't too bad, easy to get discounts. Flashy. For gaming, look at alienware models:
www.dell.com/ca/Alienware
Asus - Good reviews all around, great on cooling, more powerful than Dell and lower pricing. Apparntly good customer service/warranties as well but haven't really looked into it. For gaming, look at republic of gamers models:
http://rog.asus.com/notebook/
Clevo - Basically they make modular laptop parts for customizing laptops easily and then resellers (sager is a well known one around here) build/rebrand their own configurations. Out of the three, these laptops should have the best price
erformance ratio but reliability I'm not so sure of. Definitely get any warranties if you go this route - my friend had his sager die a week outside of his one year warranty so that sucked for him. Not sure about heat... although I suppose it probably won't be as good as the asus.
That's all for now
Facebook
Twitter