Where to buy GE60 in Canada?

Hey guys, I'm looking at two different models of the GE60 on Newegg here and here. I was wondering about a few things.

Where could I buy a GE60 in Canada with a bumped up 2.6GHz 3720 processor? That's the only thing I would like to upgrade from the two models above.

If the answer to the above question is nowhere, which model is better? The only things I see that differ are that one has the GTX660M, 6GB RAM, and HM76, while the other is GTX650M, 8GB RAM, and HM77.

I can upgrade the RAM on my own, correct? Eventually I'll have to bump it to 16GB or more. How simple would that be, if I can even do it?

Lastly, is this laptop any good? I would expect it is, but I haven't had a chance to do any reading. Any really insightful reviews I should see that I might miss on my travels? Are there any major problems? Mainly, is heat under load an issue?

Thanks guys.

 

just to let you know you've confused the specs a bit. the first one linked has 6 gigs of ddr3 1333mhz ram, and a gt650m, while the second has 8 gigs of ddr3 1600mhz ram and a gtx 660m.

so the second one has more ram, as well as a better graphics card. keep in mind not too much better, maybe 10-15% max, as they are both functionally the same, except one is overvolted and overclocked, but has been tested to be able to do so, a gt 650m may not be able to achieve the same, though it is likely it can.

imo the extra $100 is worth the more (and better) ram, and the better gfx card.

now as for getting a ge60 in canada with a non-stock cpu, the only vendor I know of right now that would do this and ship to canada is xoticpc.com. however it is costly to get that processor. assuming the GE60 0ND-042US(second one you linked with the gtx 660m) the total cost would be $1549 (base cost $1,199 and a $350 upgrade) + tax and shipping, the shipping being $115 (you can pay less but then you'll get a brokerage fee for going across the border, which would be about $80 on top of $30 shipping and the shipping would take longer)

so unless this processor is a deal breaker, which it shouldn't be as honestly any performance increase will be slight, I'd forgo it and get a ge60 on newegg.ca

as for upgradability of the ram. there is one panel on the bottom that comes is held on by a by several screws, one of which is under a warranty sticker. however many who have spoken with msi have been told this is only to dissuade the inexperienced from opening it, though this is a fact I would double check with msi. anyways one that panel is off the ram, gpu, cpu, hdd, and wireless card are exposed.

the laptop has two ram slots that are on an angle, meaning you'd need two 8gb sticks for 16gb. upgrading is simply pull up and out, then put the new sticks in and push down, look at genetech's first look of the ge60 here: MSI GE60 Product Showcase: First Look & Benchmarks - YouTube to see the motherboard. so basically upgrading the ram should be very simple, the inside of the laptop appears to be straightforward.

anyways I've ordered the GE60 0ND-042US and it should arrive in a few days so if you want me to give you my feelings on it when it arrives I'd be glad to. if you have any other questions let me know as I've done a ton of research on this particular laptop.

EDIT: lastly, ones idea of good is very subjective, if you could go into a little depth of what you need it to do and what it will be used for I could do a better job of either recommending this or other laptops

EDIT 2: if you're worried about voiding the warranty and want to be very sure you could do this http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/661914-official-msi-ge60-ge70-owners-lounge-47.html#post8643327. though keep in mind if you need it serviced (even if they say changing the ram won't void the warranty) it would be wise to put the original ram back as the new ram wouldn't be covered and it'd be a pain to send it in only for the new ram to be blamed, then have to send it back. so save the old ram

 

I live in Vancouver and I am also trying to find somewhere to buy the GE60.
I have found several places in Van that have the GT60 but not the GE60, still deciding which one to buy...