So I was going to post this in the off-topic forum, but I'd like the advice of the tech-savvy.

A few weeks ago, my wife's cheap dell laptop croaked. I can not get any OS to install on it. I tried the restore disk with Vista, Windows 7 and Ubuntu. I then replaced the RAM and HD. Always got the same issues. I'm guessing it's a motherboard issue so we started looking for a new one.

Here's what she had...
Dell Latitude with an Intel processor (I don't remember which)
16" display
DVD
150 Gig HD
2 Gig RAM

You know, something basic. This cost me like five bills. She only used it for Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo and to sync her Zune and iPhone.

So we go shopping last week for a new laptop. Of course I start looking at the things I want and leave her to find herself a replacement. I catch back up with her after an hour and asked her which ones she liked. Her first choice was an Alienware for around $2400. I laughed and said I might get that for myself and asked her what was next on her list.

Of course, it was the Alienware next to the previous one for only $1800. Instead of calling her crazy, I explained why she didn't need to spend that much for an Alienware. I had one because I can actually put a computer to work for me.

She breaks it down for me, she wants...

17.3+" Display (prefer 18"+)
Blu-Ray
backlit keyboard

She cares nothing about other features. She was arguing with the guy at the store because they couldn't get her a "gaming laptop" with out the gaming video card.

I can't talk her out of the dang Blu-Ray. I have found decent laptops that meet her and mine (must be Intel i7) requirements but without the Blu-Ray.

I'm currently looking at these laptops....

Toshiba Qosmio - I use to love Toshiba, then moved to Alienware and then to Dell. I don't know how Toshibas are anymore
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347129

Asus G73JW - I can get this one at Best Buy with a backlit keyboard but without Blu-Ray for just under 1k.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347996

I'm thinking I'll just get her this one though...
Asus - Refurb
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+F...&skuId=1675468

Any advice is welcomed. The only Asus I own is a netbook which the cruddy GMA video just recently went out on so I don't have the best first impression. But I do understand how cruddy the Intel GMA video is.

Also, I will not buy Sony or a Mac.