Which res and GPU?

Hi, I need some help in deciding on a resolution to pursue and also, which mobile graphics card to try for.

I want decent battery life but I don't expect a lot since I would like a discrete graphics card.

The problem is that I am not sure how high a resolution I want so it would be helpful to obtain more info on this and have a way to decide.

I'm not used to laptop screens at the newer resolution. I only have one laptop and it's a Thinkpad T41 which has a res of 1400 x 1050 (124 DPI). I like it a lot and I don't think I'd want the lower ones the Thinkpads have, namely 1024 x 768 (91 DPI).

So, what are the benefits with?:
1366 x 768
1440 x 900
1600 x 900

Of course, I am applying this info towards Asus models since I'm heavily leaning towards an Asus laptop. I have researched a bit on them and it seems the choices, for the most part, are between the resolutions above and the newer Nvidia cards and ATI 4570 or similar.

Do some cards create more heat and impact battery life more than others? Is it significant?

I'm flexible on screen size but lately, I'm been looking at 15.6" and up (in particular, 17"). I like portability but I guess overall specs is what I am looking for:

LED screen if possible
Nvidia or ATI card
eSATA port
HDMI port
P8400 cpu or better
resolution????

 

Resolution is more a personal preference than anything anyone can tell you, i would suggest you read the faq as it has a good explanation between resolutions. But remember higher resolution will make the videocard work more, by this im not saying anything bad, just that laptops dont have as powerful video cards as desktops, so depending in what you gona game (settings, resolution, etc), some video card might fit better than others. Just be warned that Asus laptop usually run hot, nothing bad has come up from this yet, but i always like to warn before people purchase.

Well here its not only about the videocard, its about the hole setup, for example Sager gaming like 8690, have dual coolers and even though they have a faster card than most asus gaming laptops they run much cooler. Powermizer also helps lowering the clocks when at idle, so you save some battery, but still dont expect much about battery life into a gaming laptop, usually 2 hours or less is what you usually get, there are options in some lines to get higher capacity batteries if you really want more.

Since you are open for 17'' check Besbuy G72GX-RBBX05 (1600x900 display), G60Vx-RBBX09 (9cell battery so 3 hours, just low res 1366x768), ASUS G51Vx-X3A (1920x1080 display). If you are willing to to drop the P8400 requirement, then also check bestbuy 2day special sale of the G60Vx-RBBX05 at $899.

 

x83vp-a1 or n81vp-d2?

 

The Am. version of the ASUS G51Vx-X3A is reduced $150 but the additional $150 is what is required by Cdn customers! Interesting, huh? This is on the respective newegg sites.

I think this laptop looks ideal except that it runs hot. I was wondering if you can buy 9-cell batteries for these Asus laptops...

I think those Sager series will be way out of my price range. I looked at Eurocom and what they had and they were out of my budget, unfortunately.

It doesn't need to be a gaming laptop either but the ASUS G51Vx-X3A had eSATA, a high resolution and other specs that fit what I was looking for.

It is a bit expensive for me, though, so I have to consider going to a lower model or waiting to see if it goes on sale.