So I've been looking around online a laptop recently and I haven't found one that fits the specifications I want without having a serious flaw or an absurd price only outdone by Apple. I'd rather not go over $800, but if I find a really nice deal I will. I've seen $600 laptops (sales) fit these specs in the past. I'm not that picky about the specs: Screen - Anything 14"+ (even 17.3"), prefer 1600x900+ but lower is fine CPU - Any Intel IB quad core, HT not necessary GPU - Anything better than a GT 610 (yes even *shudder* a Radeon) RAM - Meh, whatever, I can replace this HDD - Meh, whatever, I can replace this And so far I've found squat for a reasonable price. I've checked everywhere that I can think of. I'm actually looking to buy immediately if I can find a nice deal. If anyone knows of something that fits, I'm all ears... eyes, whatever.
Take a look at the Lenovo Ideapad Y500, it really fits your price tag and with i7 3630Qm / GT650m you can even consider gaming on it http://shop.lenovo.com/us/laptops/ideapad/y-series/y500
I swear I checked their website just hours ago and it didn't have the current sale on. Lenovo seem to rapidly change them and have them up often. I found a shop with a Y580 with the 3630QM and GT 660M (1080p screen) for only $800 but not surprisingly they were sold out. As for the current sale the price is still $919 when just 1 year (real) warranty is added and that includes no taxes. Assuming free shipping that's $1038.50. I could pick the lowest model but that saves only $60 for giving up the 1080p screen and the small SSD, not worth it. So yeah... dunno if that's worth dropping over a grand on, I'm going to keep looking. If all else fails, Lenovo will have a similar sale next week.
You might be interested in checking this site http://gaminglaptophome.com/best-gaming-laptops-under-1000/