Pros: Very high end graphics performance, JBL speakers, 1920x1080 display, always-on USB ports, firm backlit accutype keyboard, solid construction, 2 USB-3 ports, PRICE!!!

Cons: Touchpad, only 3 USB ports total, no optical drive, Centrino n2230 wireless adapter

Overall Review: First the biggies. The graphics performance with 2 750Ms in SLI mode is just SICK. It outperforms the benchmark numbers I found for the 770 on two different sites, and does so at a MUCH lower price point. The display also stands out, being a 1920x1080 (1080p HD) in its native mode, which is rare for a 15.6" laptop. Those two together raise this model a very strong notch above other 15.6" gaming rigs. The speakers give very good sound for their diminutive size, with fairly flat frequency response, good projection and low distortion even at highest volume (assuming the source is not overamped). The keypad has an excellent feel, firm without being stiff, tactile without being too springy, and being backlit makes it great for dark-room gaming. Neutral points: Having two USB3 ports is nice, but only having one additional USB2 port for a total of 3 ports is not so great. No eggs to take off for that, on balance. The optical drive is a straight up trade, gaining the SLI video in exchange for needing to add an external USB drive for such tasks as burning discs, watching DVDs, etc. So no egg taken off for that, either. Now the negatives. The touchpad is just plain terrible. It has no distinct left and right buttons, instead having "zones" where those buttons should be. That means that they misclick VERY frequently when you are NOT trying to click on anything. I didn't take an egg for that because frankly, who plays games on a gaming rig with a touchpad? The Centrino-n2230 wireless adapter is also terrible. Internal laptop adapters in my experience tend to be a little less than stellar due to being internal, surrounded by metal, electrical circuitry, etc. But this thing is just ... terrible. There is no other word for it. Its reception is poor, it drops connections frequently, has lousy broadcasting range... just terrible. For this I would take off an egg and leave this a 4 egg review. But then I would give it right back because of the great price point value of the rig overall. Other other thoughts: for those looking to customize by swapping out for a different ultrabay card (Lenovo sells others), swapping the HDD for an SSD, etc., Lenovo made such tasks pretty easy and included clear directions (softdocs) on how to access those components, what options are workable (max RAM, etc) and so on, so that even a relative novice can handle these tasks. Suggested accessories/addons: a good USB wireless adapter, USB optical drive, laptop cooling pad with passthru USB port

Pros: In windowed mode runs tasks VERY quickly compared to previous Windows versions (XP or 2K). DirectX 10 support for maximum bells and whistles with latest game releases (if you have DX10 video card).

Cons: Major resource hog, particularly in terms of RAM. Requires at LEAST 2GB of RAM to run comfortably and really wants 4GB. Also requires a better processor than what it says. An old Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP processor is going to be a bit short of the mark. This thing really requires a dual or quad core processor to shine. Otherwise the overhead for the hog of an OS kernel will severely degrade your performance when running apps, particularly games. Enormous amounts of fluffy features that you will never use, or which you would never miss if they were never there, including some that are annoying (I just hate it when Windows thinks it knows what I want to do better than I do!). Most such features can be readily disabled, though. The User Account Management tool is idiotic; it defaults to denying admin rights to the primary user account, forcing you to go thru a tedious confirmation every time you make any changes to Vista.

Overall Review: If you have the hardware for it and are the kind of user who runs a lot of different apps in windowed mode, this is a good improvement over XP. If you are primarily a gamer, then the only thing you get out of upgrading to Vista is DirectX 10. (Which is why they won't release DX10 for XP - they are trying to force gamers to upgrade whether they really need to or not.) Be aware, some people read the system requirements and see the reference to 64-bit processors and think this is a 64-bit version of Vista; IT ISN'T! That reference is only there to let you know that this 32-bit version can run on either a 32- or 64-bit processor, whereas the 64-bit version ONLY runs on 64-bit procs.

Pros: Unbeatable price. Simple, easy installation and use. Excellent quality control.

Cons: No DVI port.

Overall Review: Very common native resolution (1366x768) for mid-level widescreen monitors, which means great compatibility with apps and games without having to fiddle with custom resolutions all the time. Not a single bad pixel. Although price varies a bit, its price history shows it has always been an exceptional value - for the price this generally goes for you could, at best, get a no-name refurb at a discount brick and mortar store. Physically very nice. The base attaches and detaches VERY easily, but is quite sturdy and even looks cool. Power light is relatively dim, which to me is a plus as it is not intrusive when I am immersed in a game, like a bright indicator would be. Uses the most common style video and power cables - no proprietary power supply or other such nonsense; so you can get a cheap replacement for either at any electronics store should the need arise. The only con is lack of a DVI port, which is a non-issue, since those who need one really want a high-end monitor anyw