Gaming Laptop Advice

[Popadoo]

Hey there, internet goer!
As of late, I've been getting into PC gaming. I was sick of waiting months between game releases for my PS3, so I've been buying games from Steam to entertain me, even when the triple-A titles aren't around.
Then I hit a snag.
I've bought several games for my Steam account, including Magicka among others. Unfortunately, this old heap can't even OPEN the damn games, never mind run them at a reasonable FPS.
So, I'm planning on taking out all of my spare pennies and buying myself a damn-powerful gaming laptop.
I have around £400-£1000 to spend, but I would very much prefer it cheaper than £1000. I don't have the brains to figure out what is worth buying and what isn't, all of these CPUs and gigabytes confuse me. So, I come to you, internet goer, to ask what you think I should buy.
It has to be able to run up-to-date games and programs such as Maya (3D Animation Software).
Advice? Links would be helpful.

 

[Fertro]

Well, people here will say to get a desktop, because they're generally better for gaming. Custom building desktops is always an option. Can turn out cheaper, but if you did get a desktop, you'd have to get a monitor (Obviously), which will cost another $150+. I'd go at least $200 for a monitor, though. I have a cheapy (About $120 or so) and it can't handle black very well at all. Playing games like Amnesia and Metro 2033 are pretty difficult, seeing as all the black shows up as a dark blue/purple. (Sounds like Gamma in my book, but I've tried everything and the only thing that works is turning the brightness to 11)

It all comes down to the type of games you'll be playing, really. Magicka doesn't really have very intensive specs, so if you'll only be playing those types of games, you'll get away with much more cash in your pocket.

 

[Popadoo]

-SNIP-

I was looking for a laptop, mainly so I can download what I want without other people in the house complaining (we usually share desktops), as well as portability for when I start going to my college, where I'll do a course that requires a few certain programs. And Magicka was an example to show how terrible my current computer is, I'm really looking for something that can smoothly run a triple-A game released fairly currently.

 

[Popadoo]

*Bump* (Sorry ;_
I'm looking at the Alienware M11X, at £599, any opinions?

 

[Solo-Wing]

*Bump* (Sorry ;_
I'm looking at the Alienware M11X, at £599, any opinions?

No. With alienware you are paying for the brand and not the Machine itself. They are way over priced. But since you are looking for Laptop I guess that will be for the best...

Though you should get the M14x. the M11x has an 11" screen. Tiny.