Recommend me a laptop based on my needs

Must Have:

• i7 Ivy bridge (probably i7-3610qm)
• at least 4GB RAM
• 15.6" 1080p screen or 14"  900p screen
• Dedicated graphics

Things I'd REALLY like but aren't completely necessary:

• Backlit keyboard

I do have a budget but it's very flexible. I'm going to avoid setting a fixed price as there is always wiggle room. 

I've looked at various comps including the new XPS 15 (too expensive), the Alienware m14x r2 (from dell outlet, hoping for coupons), lenovo, sager, and hp. I've found a few that I really like but I want to know what others think. Design isn't a huge deal. I program so it needs to have a nice keyboard layout. And yes, I AM a student with a .edu account, so I can get student discount. 

I should mention that I will have no rigs whatsoever. I currently have a Dell L502x (XPS 15) with a GT 540M and an i7 2630QM. A friend of mine is buying it and I'm gonna upgrade. 

I use Linux and Windows for programming. I'm getting one with a dedicated video card because I like to occasionally game, and I will be developing Android games (using OpenGL) and it'll be nice to test them out on a performant machine. I'm not a hardcore gamer at all. A 630M would suffice (though I'm going for 650/660).

I generally don't want HP. I've used their dv6 quads (sandy bridge) and while the performance is great, I don't think their speakers or displays are up to par.

Regarding ASUS, I'm totally considering http://www.amazon.com/G55VW-ES71-15-6-Inch-Gaming-Notebook-Black/dp/B007Z9WWDW. I'm very glad to see a display port here as I use linux heavily and hdmi doesn't work with intel hd 3000 on my current laptop, so I'm forced to use mini display port. BIIIIGG plus. It doesn't seem that there is a backlit keyboard though? Can anyone confirm this?

I've looked at the new Dell Inspiron 15 running for $1200, and it seems good, but doesn't seem nearly as good as what I'm about to talk about or the ASUS above. I'm pretty sure there's no chance I'll be getting it. 

I've never owned a Sager laptop so I don't know how high-quality their parts are. I want a sturdy, high quality machine that'll look and feel nice. From the images, the Sager's don't seem to have that...though they have an amazing price point. The ones I've looked at don't have backlit keyboards (which is fine, but is something I'd really like). They also don't seem to have mini display port/s. I realize I haven't posted this on my original post but it is something I'd like if I had the choice. Any specific recommendations (with link/s) for this?

Lastly, the Alienware m14x-r2 seems like the laptop for me. Though it's only 14", it packs everything I want. I can get it for about $1300 with the "free" xbox 360 and is currently what I plan on doing, though funds currently don't allow for it. I'll be a few weeks until I make my purchase but this is what I'm leaning towards (unless the ASUS has a backlit keyboard...or something). 

Let me know what you folks think. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by identitycrisis 

Sager's newer NP 9150 and 9170 have backlit keyboards, my np8130 is built really well, and feels pretty solid, but when i compare it to my all aluminum m18x it feels like a toy. But there is a major price disparity there.
I don't think you will be disapointed with the Asus G55 its also got a backlit keyboard according to this review
the m14x is a good deal with a free xbox, if you call up alienware directly and haggle a bit, you can get more off, do your homework and find coupon codes, any promos, student discounts, etc... a lot of people get a $200 giftcard plus a giftcard for 3% back or something like that.

Do you know offhand if the 9130 is the same as the 9150 but with weaker graphics cards? I wouldn't mind getting a Sager but if it costs the same as an Alienware, I'd prefer the latter.

EDIT: seems as though the 9130 does NOT have backlit keyboard :/