Laptop for video editing

[TongBlack]

Hey all, I am in the market to get a new laptop in probably 6 months or so. So, yes, I know new models and hardware will be out by then, but I want to start narrowing things down at least a bit now.

Requirements:
-i7 processor (at least a 720QM)
-8GB RAM or more
-at least 500GB hard drive
-Decent video card because I like to game occasionally and plan on using this for video projection as well
-Decent battery life (at least two hours of light use, i.e. surfing web)
-Less than $2000 (the less the better of course)

I've looked at quite a few models, and have a few I like so far:
Asus G73JH
Asus G51JH
Asus N82JQ
HP Envy 15
HP Envy 17
Sony Vaio F Series

You'll notice I have screen sizes anywhere from 14"-17.3" in that list. I haven't decided what I want yet. I honestly would love the portability of a 14" screen, but I'm not sure I want to be editing video on a screen that size, especially considering I typically work on a 24" LCD at home.

Also, while aesthetics are not a primary concern, I do have an affinity for snazzy looking notebooks. I love the way the HP Envys look, and I also am fond of the Asus G73.

I am overall drawn to the Asus G73 because:
-$1600ish
-Comes with a backpack (and a mouse, but I already have one of those)
-Battery life is 2.5 hours with light use
-Reviews state the cooling system is quiet and very effective. The last laptop I bought is now 5.5 years old, so long-lasting hardware is important, and a good cooling system will help with that
-Gorgeous 17.3" screen
-Comes with 2 500GB hard drives for double the capacity of the other laptops I'm looking at
-Comes with Blu-Ray (okay, not essential, but still cool)

I suppose one of my biggest questions for y'all that edit video on a laptop is this: how small is too small? I love the form factor of a 14" (and I even considered the 13.3" of Vaio Z series briefly before I saw the price), but I'm not sure if I can live with the screen. Your thoughts?

Other info:
-I edit with Sony Vegas Pro 8
-I also use After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Encore
-I work in AVCHD, hence the i7 minimum
-Yes, it needs to be a PC
-I will use this as my on-the-go editing station, so I will be flying with it

Thanks!

[jameshorsley197]

I have an Asus G71 and it iss a very good editing computer. Not as fast or powerful as the G73 but it is almost 2 years old. Also has 2 year warranty. Stay with the 17 inch to edit. I can put a 15.6 and 17 side by side and it is amazing the difference in the time lines.