Need Help Choosing New Laptop

Hi guys,

Quick one...alright so a few years ago, I bought an Aspire 8920G, and I absolutely love it. Big screen, awesome sound system, Blu-ray drive. I've never regretted buying it, it's just that now it's starting to show its age, and I'm thinking it's time to look at upgrading. The problem is, I can't seem to find anything nowadays with comparable specs. Can anyone help me out, Acer or otherwise, in finding a "same or better" machine?

If you're not familiar with the 8920G offhand, the key specs are:
18.4" 1920x1080 True HD display
Blu-ray reader/DVD writer
CineSurround (5.1 sound system)

I'd like to get something at least this good, maybe with an i7 processor instead of the Core 2 Duo this one comes with. Can you guys help me out?

 

I have a few ideas. I have a few questions for you.

1) Do you want 18.4 or would you prefer 17 or even 15.6 (assuming you keep the same screen size).

2)

The most obvious laptop for you, given how happy you are with your 8920G is the Acer Ethos AS8951G

Laptops I also think about for you are the HP Envy 17 3d, Asus Republic of Gamers G74 in the large desktop replacement.

In smaller sizes, you get into the 15" with the Acer Ethos 5951G and even (if lightness trumps speakers) the Sony Vaio SE (15", 1080p, 6630 graphics, 4.5lbs)

Also, I enjoy your Star Trek videos

 

@rp3: Definitely want to stick with the 18.4, it's a tad large but that's what I like about it; it's worth sacrificing a little portability for an HD screen of that size (besides, none of the smaller ones I've ever seen was true HD like this one). I also love the 5.1 sound system here, I've never seen that on any other kind of laptop.

2)

I didn't know about the Asus, but I'll check it out for sure. Had too many bad experiences with HP so unfortunately they're out, but I greatly appreciate the info!

(BTW didn't know people around here were aware of my work, glad you like them! Thanks for watching!)

 

Ok. I don't know if you are in the states but price wise, here's a deal.

Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G-9630 - Microsoft Store Online
The Acer is 1300 + tax

I can't find the Asus on sale in the 18.4 (but there are plenty of 17.3).

As a frame of reference. I had the Dell XPS 15 with a 1080p screen until last month. I liked the quality screen and sound on the dell. I decided to switch to a Vaio SA because I was always unhappy with the weight of the XPS 15 (probably would have kept a XPS 15z) but value graphics card and screen resolution.