Differences between models

So I'm trying to decide between a Asus G51VX-A1 and a Sager NP8662 (on XoticPC.com) with similar configurations and prices (about $2k once discounts and shipping is taken into account) when I randomly check out the Best Buy website and notice that they have an Asus G51VX and a G71GX model for nearly $800 cheaper than what I am looking at.

So what is the catch here? Sure, the BB model has a slower HDD, no case , no Arctic Silver, and no Win7 upgrade, but those alone can't account for the massive price difference? Are the BB models crippled in some way? Substandard components? What gives?

 

Best buy does have windows 7 upgrade, any asus does.

1920x1080 screen on the xotic i think, 13xx by 768 on the best buy (the biggest factor)

let it be known that according to members on these forums and reputable laptop builders (from either gentech or xotic) have confirmed that best buy model uses a mother board that DOES NOT support quad core processors like the xotic one does.

thats it, biggest factor in the price is the screen i think.

 

Yeah, the LCD resolution, thanks. I can't believe I overlooked that as it is usually the first thing I check....

 

I have a BB G51 myself and the screen is alright. Just alright. A friend of mine has an np8662 and that screen looks great when gaming but the 16:9 in the G51 lets you see about an inch more in width ( had the screens side by side)

I would go for the np8662 if you have a good $1400 to spare.

 

Yeah, I need a good screen. As an architecture student I do a lot in CAD, Photoshop, SketchUp and the like and I just can't deal with low resolution in those apps. Why would you go with the NP8663 over the G51VX (Xotic model) though? Currently I've got something like this going:

Display: Both with WUXGA, some reviewers think the NP8662 could be a little more vibrant. It is however a matte screen which I prefer to the glossy screen on the G51.

HDD: G51 comes standard with 2 320 gig 7200rpm hdds, NP8662 has only 1 (+$35)

RAM: Both with 4 gigs but the NP8662 has DDR3 (which may or may not be faster than the DDR2 according to the very few comparisons I found)

Keyboard: The G51 has a numeric keypad. Nice to have.

CPU: G51 has a T9600 (+$375), the NP8662 has a P8700 (could upgrade to a T9600 for $130 is it worth it?)

Quickstart: G51 has Express Gate, Np8662 has 4 gigs turbo memory (+$85, worth it?)

Reviews I've read all seem to indicate that both are very good computers and both Asus and Sager/Clevo generally build quality equipment.