Do you want performance?
You can get an alienware m15x from as low as $1100.
I just specced one out to 2k, and you could get 9800gt graphics card (fastest graphics card in a 15 inch laptop), 2.5 dual core 6mb cache, 500gb hardrive (up to 1tb), and a 1440x900 (can upgrade to 1920x900) resolution all for $1900.
Downside: It's quite a brick
One of the main upsides: Graphical power, Has smartbay, which means you can easily add another battery, harddrive, blu-ray drive, just by sliding it into the side.
The battery life on it is amazing for such a powerhouse. I get 6 hours when intergrated.
Oh and the cool lights
/ 
