idk i bought a machine semi-similar to yours(no quad core, slower ddr3, and only a 250gb HDD), but my video card's benchmark score is nearly 1/3 better than that radeon... If it weren't for that i'd say go for it.

I'd say:

1. spend a little more money for a better gfx card
2. Also look for one with a kickin' integrated sound system.
3. enjoy the win.

)

When it comes to laptops, i often find that if you dont splurge and spend a lot of money now, you're gonna have an outdated machine fairly quick.

2cents.

I am not using this machine to play starcraft 2 on ultra settings or anything. In fact, I probably won't put any games on it. All I want to do is map, 3d model, edit movies and etc. I am not worried about it getting outdated because the computer I am on now is probably much worse and I run new games fine and programs like photoshop with ease. I appreciate both of your comments, but does this explanation change your opinions at all?

I am heavily opinionated about laptops.
None of them that i've seen really are good deals.
You either get a lot of processor speed, with high heat output and crap batter life,

or some random mix of good ram / terrible hard drive, or good hard drive/ terrible ram.

If i were you, i would set a budget. a MAXIMUM budget like...
"Wouldn't be caught dead buying something for this much"
and take it down by 30% (guideline)
Google shop, tiger direct, newegg, ect ect
Just keep searching and searching until you think you've found the best bang for your buck.

And if you're going for movie editing, get HDMI / hi-def screen.

DDR3? Didn't know there were 2 more since 1990.

Mapping on a laptop just doesn't make sense.

I use my laptop to check emails and browse TWHL, that's it.

I mapped on a laptop when i was in college... but it was a Dell XPS and had a beastly processor and gfx card in it at the time.

This was 5 years ago: http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/29255/review/dell_xps_m1210.html

"I am not worried about it getting outdated"

It doesn't matter if you don't want to game, doing video\general editing requires resources, and editing movies almost requires more then gaming, so in the end if you have a outdated machine, you're not going to do much.

It GETTING outdated wouldn't be a problem, but getting a already outdated machine ain't going to help you.

Why does mapping on a laptop not make sense? I will be working with it at school and when I am out.

I appreciate everyone's input, but I still think I am going to get it. Most of the comments say spend more for something better, and if I could I would. I feel this is the best laptop I will find around this price. If anyone sees a better one around this price let me know Thanks again everyone.