I'm trying to find a laptop with a 17" WUXGA screen to match or better a Macbook Pro. I've been eying the Asus M70Vm-C1, and its stats look good, but on things like the chipset and wireless I can't find (perhaps I'm not searching hard enough?) information regarding compatibility.

I can't find exact manufacturer information on every part in this laptop, but this is what I can find:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T9400
Chipset: Intel PM45 +ICH9M
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS
Card reader: 8-in-1 card reader: SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, mini SD w/ adapter, MS-Duo, MS-Pro Duo via adapter
Audio: Intel HD Audio, Azalia-compliant
Wireless: Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5100
Bluetooth: V2.1+EDR
Extras: Blu-Ray, 1.3MP webcam

Source: ASUSTeK

What is the compatibility outlook on this laptop with Leopard? If I can get OS X on this, would I be better off using JaS, Kalyway, iATKOS, Leo, etc...?

Alternatively, are there any laptops out there that match the MB Pro in stats as well as match the screen size and resolution I gave? I'd really rather not drop 2700 on a laptop if I need only pay 1900.

Hey, that laptop isn't going to work right now, the Geforce 9600 is unsupported. However, a laptop for about your price range that works perfectly in OS X is the Sager NP5793, you just need to replace the Wireless card, because that doesn't work.

It has great specs - 8800m GTX graphics, Core 2 Duo T9500, 1920x1200 17" screen etc etc. all for about $2000 (but it's customizable)

How'd you get it down to 2k? I found one on Agearnotebooks for 1600 of that variety with significantly reduced specs.. however, on the website you linked me to, I can't really seem to modify any features that would reduce the price. Otherwise it shows up as nearly $3000 which is overkill. I thank you for your help though!

If you can recommend anything else in the $1500-$2000 range, that'd be nice. Thanks!

EDIT: Oh hey, wouldn't you know, I can customise the laptop I found on the place I mentioned. I shall see about that...
EDIT: On second thought, it's still hard for that laptop to compare to the Asus, so I am hesitant. Other than the graphics card, are the other parts compatible/remediable? If drivers for the 9-series (or at least just the 9600) do emerge, surely this laptop will then meet my needs. Picking and choosing for Mac leads me to feel like an utter computer novice again.

Sorry, my bad. For some reason I thought those Sager's go for like 2 grand. Now I see it's more like 3. Bummer. Yeah, I know what you mean! Thing is, your laptop uses brand new technology- Apple haven't released a Mac based on the new P45 platform yet. Ditto with the 9600. Of course in the future, it might become compatible, like you mentioned. But it might not!

I might recommend you check out the Dell Inspiron range - you can customize the screen to 1920x1200 and it also works really well with OS X.

Aha! So an Inspiron 1720 looks like my ticket then. It looks like there will be Audio problems on the compatibility list though. I'm also worried about Sidestepping (which seems not to be an issue with the Inspirons though), and the ability to wake up from sleep which seems to be a serious problem with the Dells. If you can point me in the right direction with this, that'd be great; otherwise you've been a wonderful help. Many thanks

Yeah, all that doesn't work is Audio-in. Audio out works, so it's not a train smash - actually that's normal with osx86. Sidestepping? I don't know what that is. As for sleep and all kinds of stuff, check out Macgirl's thread on Dell Laptops.

Hey just using the Nvidia drivers in iAtkos worked for my 9200 laptop card so you have hope