Finally buying NP9130 - Few questions

Hey guys,

I've lurked a long time and have been looking to get a new computer for an equally long time now and think I'm finally going to pull the trigger on a NP9130.

Intel Ivy Bridge i7-3610QM
nVidia Geforce GTX660M 1.0GB GDDR5
IC Diamond 24 Carat on CPU+GPU
8GB 1600Mhz RAM
500GB 7200rpm Hard Disk Drive
DVD+/-RW Double Layer DVD Burner
Standard Wireless Card + Bluetooth
Standard 1920x1080 Matte Display
1 Year RTB Warranty + 90 Day 100% Pixel Guarantee

So all of that comes to $1300. I know it's a bit more expensive than what may be expected but I'm in Australia so there's not much I can do about that

I plan on upgrading to a SSD later by buying my own HDD caddy for the optical drive. It seems simple enough and cheap enough to get a caddy online (I'd get it through my reseller but they charge $50 instead of the usual $15 in North America). Are there any recommendations for a caddy? What size do I need for the 9130? I plan on putting my optical faceplate onto it so it doesn't have to be one that is specific for the laptop right?

I also plan on upgrading the wifi card myself. Was thinking of the Killer-n 1103 but I might opt for the generic Atheros equivalent instead. Are there any good alternatives around the $30 pricepoint that anyone would recommend?

I'm hoping to get a bit of advice and insight into the LCD. So I have the stock matte screen here, but for the same price, I can actually get the 95% gamut glossy (the reseller has it as the default option and it isn't cheaper to swap to the stock matte). To be honest, I'm pretty much sold on the matte simply because I probably will be using it in areas that would benefit from it (outside; my desk which is right beside the window) plus I know that to truly benefit, I'd have to get it calibrated and I would prefer not to have to do so. I'm not doing any photo editing or anything like that either. So, are there any really compelling reasons I should stick with the higher quality glossy instead?

Lastly, I know that Malibal sells different country's power cords as an extra (for $9 I think) and since I'll be travelling home quite a bit too, I was hoping to get one as well. Does anyone know where I can go to grab one? Or would any cord that plugs into the adapter work fine?

I appreciate all the help everyone!

Pretty excited about this upcoming purchase

 

Hey i just got my np9130 yesterday and i got to say its a great laptop.
the 95% glossy is really, really reflective if your going to be outside dont get it.
even indoors it can get annoying because its almost like a mirror.
also the calibration makes a big difference i see some colors i never even knew existed sometimes, its really awesome.

 

as you read above, the glossy is pretty annoying but have way more colours and gives more depth to the view of the screen, although there isn't that large of a difference between the glossy and the matte, so good choice there

congratulations on your new laptop! and btw regarding the 1103 Killer/Atheros issue/dilemma you've got there, click HERE

 

Thanks guys for the replies. That was sort of what I was thinking. Since the LCD I'm using now is terrible, I'm sure either the matte or the glossy would look terrific to me. I just figured I would actually get more functionality out of the matte than the glossy simply due to location/situation.

@jaug1337 - Ya, I've seen that thread I've actually been actively posting in it trying to get more expert opinion on the functionality of the Atheros. I am wondering though if there wouldn't be any other wifi cards around $30 that might be a good choice if I do a decent amount of wireless gaming and video streaming (ie.youtube).

 

Absolutely get the matte screen. Glossy is very annoying to use, in my opinion, and I can barely tell the difference in coloring. I'm not an expert on the wifi cards, but I've heard great things about the 1103, if you decide to go in that direction.

 

Ya, I decided on the matte in the end. I was leaning towards it for the most part anyways but wanted to check with some local experts first You'll see what I've ordered from Logicalblueone in my sig! Generic atheros wifi card incoming from ebay too. Hopefully the laptop will arrive first heh.