ODM = Original Device manufacturer. Which is nice info to have...but it's pretty much ASUS or MSI for a decent laptop.

I know about odms

Then you understand its going to always Be hit or miss on any brand depending on who what got the contact

OK, we all got our +1's, maybe we can get back to the OPs question.

I suggest we all recommend a laptop and let him pick. I'm not sure WHICH budget we are working with, but I believe it to be back to $1400 again.

@OP ....you already have my recommendation at w/e budget you are working with.

Education isn't plus ones

http://www.lappylist.com/laptops/best-gaming-laptops/

good reference for the OP

Same laptop I linked at Newegg.

https://us.msi.com/Notebook/GE72-Apache-Pro-6th-Gen-GTX-970M.html#hero-specification



/e That's not just any SSD that's a PCI-E SSD...which is fast as fast can get these days. They also have a version with a 960M graphics part, but I wouldn't go that way anymore.

True, it's a little overkill for your needs...BUT it's a killer laptop for the price. ^^

This post was edited by Ghot on Mar 16 2016 06:32pm

Wait wait let me interrupt you for a minute

MSI makes a very good laptop

but

ODM is the new keyword of the day

99% sure I'm getting this

The only thing I would worry about with this laptop is the small SSD and the battery life. Other than that it's a no brainer.

You will have to do some clever file manipulations with a 128GB SSD, but that shouldn't be too hard. As for the battery life...OK for a quick gaming session, but you will want to spend as much time as possible on the AC cord.


From the 3 Newegg reviews, it seems the trackpad is not the best, but to be honest...I've never met ANY trackpad that I actually liked. I always thought the left and right click buttons should be at the top and slightly off to the right, leaving the thumb for the pad itself. But apparently, that's just me.