Samsung Series 3 Laptop: Core i7 3630QM 2.4GHz, 15.6" (1366x768), 6GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, HD 7730M, 6-Cell, Win 8 $599 + Free Shipping

You must be referring to this [staples.com] one which is:

1) 17.3"
2) $100 more

It is NOT $100 more. There is a $100 off coupon on this laptop if used in store. http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/coupons/

also, staples is $699 isn't it ? unless you have some coupons to bring it down to $599

Esthetically your screen will look better (resolution argument that 1080p purists and elitists are talking about.) I agree the higher rez looks a lot better punchier colors etc. But I'm one of the practical people on SD who can put up with less on the actual screen (as long as I know I can still enjoy the 1080p resolution when connected to a large HDTV or external 1080p monitor). Your Dell also has better portability at 14".

But if graphics for any type of PC gaming is of interest to you than this is the one to get. It's amongst the best budget gaming laptops in the past 2 1/2 years. I've ranked it #7a in my personal top 25 budget priced gaming laptop deals. I've followed laptops closely and this is pretty good despite what the resolution snobs say. (particularly if you only intended to spend around $400-$600.) If your budget is higher than skip this deal. And if you need greater productivity on a 1080p screen then skip it.

FOR THE RECORD 1080p dedicated graphics laptops have come for $530, $580, and $650 in the past 2 1/2 years: (Very difficult deals to get and not always worth it if they were used or too bulky and not portable.)
Used $530 one today>>http://slickdeals.net/f/5866782-5...m-Preowned
open box $580>>http://slickdeals.net/f/3524538-O...X-460M-580
new $650>>http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/7...win-7-prem

How is this laptop strength wise? Dell XPS 14 is like a tank, slightly heavy but feels strong. The reason I ask, 10 year old was given 17' Acer and he has already broken two of keyboard keys (B & V), and the corner is chipped off. Every chance he gets he bangs against the wall though inside bag :-)

Need a strong laptop that can handle...

What happens July 1st?

Ohh gotcha, yeah I'm too busy to catch back up right yet but one day I'll get back to it! Thanks for pleasant response

Thanks, edited.

to be honest, I wouldn't think the samsung is more durable than the better built Dell XPS. Most laptops can't take a physical beating...which is the main reason desktops are still better than laptops since components can be replaced etc. If you get a laptop (for half a grand of hard earned money) then it better receive respect. This is no $10 toy, it's a delicate $600 electronic.

however, if you are a tech and it is just a tool you tend to treat it as such and kick the crap out of it. Sometimes literally. Do all techs treat their stuff like this...no do most good ones YES>>

This ignored portability, as well as space issues and such. Not to mention being able to play stuff like Torchlight 2 or D3 on my couch in the living room and the like.

Different needs for different people, how does that work?

lol. hahaha point taken. Passionate hard working techs who earn a decent pay can always buy another laptop or fix it himself if anything goes wrong, or just take advantage of the warranty. I would guess this Samsung should hold up as well as any other laptop in the same price range and be better than Acers, HP, and the Dells you mentioned.