Here's the thing, I need a laptops for school and it needs to have at least all these specs

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Motherboard = Intel Centrino or AMD Turion Core 2 Duo

Ram = 4 Go

HD = 300 Go

DVD±RW

Screen = 15''

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g

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I want something that will also works for music recording (low latency with M-Audio USB Interface), Playing games (SC2, Diablo II and III when comes out, Shogun 2 : Total War) --» Doesn't need to run on highest settings, but at least good fps with medium-high settings. Watching 720P videos online. I also use Blender and Photoshop a lot's (would like decent or fast rendering)

So what should I looks for? links of laptops or specs would be appreciated. I kinda want to spend around 1000-1300$CA I could maybe spend a bit more, but not that much.

Thanks!!!

I use what seems to works the best for the game I play. When I play a fighting games, I prefer to use an Hori Stick. When it's about racing, I use a racing wheel. Most action/adventure games seems to work better with controller. Some sports games seems to works better with controller too. Shooter, Strategy and most RPG and other type of games I use my mouse and sticks. It's all about playing with what works best or give me the most fun. Would be like anyone on console using the controller instead of the instrument in Guitar Hero. It sure could works, but I doubt it would be as fun!

Good headset will cost way less than good surround system. Both of them have benefits that the other don't have. Having to wear headset for a long period is not that fun... believe me (gotta wear them all the time because I play guitars and game mostly when other people sleep). I have tried lot's of Headphones brand so far and my favorite are AKG and Grado. AKG really shine when I play guitar and game. I prefer Grado when I listen to music. I heard good things about Audio Technica and Beyerdynamic, but didn't have the chance to try them yet. It's all up to how much money you wanna spend. Studio headphone sound way much better to me than anything else.

I did really like Shenmue on Dreamcast. It's one kick ass game!

I prefer Codemaster over EA for racing games. I prefer SimBin and SCI over Codemaster.

Contra.

Lot's of new racing seems to have way too much pendulum effects on cars (Shift is almost unplayable because of this). You really need a wheel to play racing sim and have fun. Never did like playing sim with a controller or keyboard at all. Check this link about RBR : Start around 16:45 mins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KM7L0ofsw0&feature=channel_video_title

Is Dirt 2 a sim ? If it is, it really must be borderline. If you like Dirt 2, I suggest you to try out Richard Burns Rally. It's much more a sim than Dirt 2. It's a bit older, but still a blast to play with the RSRBR2011 mod.

If you did play a couple of FPS, you won't be that lost. It's not that hard for a simulation game. I didn't play that much ArmA 2, but played a lot's the first one (did like the editor too). It didn't took that long to learn the basic stuffs and having fun with the game. Unless you get online with a bunch of people that are serious about it, you won't have much trouble. It might be harder compared to other FPS, but still a piece of cake compared to things like Blackshark, Flaming Cliff, Falcon 4.0 AF and bunch of other flight sims. ArmA is really slow-paced and should be aware of this before getting it.

I have DCS : Ka-50 Black Shark and I can tell you to be ready for a long long learning curve. I'm almost sure it's even higher than EVE. Be sure to have a stick and hope you don't mind reading a lot's. They are the best sims available for sure. I don't know if it is harder or easier than flying the Ka-50, but it's sure to be hard. Even if ARMA 2 is called a sim, it's a WAR sim and not a FLIGHT SIM. Not the same cup of tea. It's also not like other flight sims, where they have several planes, with so-so realistic models. Good luck with it and have fun!