Help me buy a new laptop please

[Timilon]

I'm looking for a new gaming laptop to replace my current Dell Inspiron 1720 that has a Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 @2.2GHz, 2GB RAM, and the main reason I am replacing it is the Nvidia Geforce 8600M GT 256mb graphics card which is starting to be too low tier to run brand new games plus it can overheat if I run it hard.

I technically don't have any price limit but I'd rather buy a $1000 laptop now and a new $1000 laptop in 3-4 years then buy a $2000 laptop that I will still end up replacing in 4-6 years from now.

What I am looking for in a laptop is as follows:

17" or larger screen size

i3 equivalent or better

At least a 1gb video card like the 360 GTS or the ati 5650

At least 4gb of ram

Hard drive size doesn't really matter but at least 250gb preferably 500gb or larger

I don't need a OS or any software to come with it

Currently I am leaning towards buying this laptop: http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Qosmio-X505-Q885-TruBrite-18-4-Inch/dp/B003N17BRI/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I've looked at some performance benchmarks of the i5-450M versus the i7-740M and there is quite a difference. So my biggest question is for gaming am I likely to be hindered by the nvidia 360 GTS before the i5 processor? Or would the upgrading to the i7 be worth it? (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Qosmio-X505-Q887-TruBrite-18-4-Inch/dp/B003N17BR8/ref=dp_cp_ob_pc_title_1) Also would it be worth upgrading the RAM to 6 or even 8 GB? I'm only concerned about gaming on the laptop. There is also a even higher end version of that laptop shown here but I don't think it's worth the $700 extra. http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Qosmio-X505-Q890-TruBrite-18-4-Inch/dp/B003N7O3EG/ref=pd_cp_pc_2

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to reading your recommendations and suggestions. Also I'm not set on buying a Toshiba Qosmio it just seems to fit exactly what I am looking for but if you have another laptop that is similar or better or better priced by all means please suggest it.

Other laptops I am currently considering include:

Saves me $150 but downgrades the graphics card to a 330 GT, screen size to 17.1" and processor to a i5-430 from 450. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor+-+Red/Black/9728443.p?id=1218161511080&skuId=9728443

Saves me $100 but downgrades screen size to 16" (probably 15.6" i assume) also video card is a ati 5730 but it has a i7 processor. http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0327048

Saves me $250 but downgrades screen size to 15.6", video card to ati 5650. http://www.xoticpc.com/force-nblb2-built-compal-nblb2-p-2813.html

There was also this sony that i was contemplating but think I've found better bang for my buck elsewhere. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834127206

Edited August 26, 2010 by Timilon