I build computers. I have since very young, and have always been a desktop person. Over the years of a growing family, laptops have become more practical for us and I am very technical in general. This laptop is very good for the money (but I only paid $500 on a black Friday deal from Newegg).
This thing has an incredible battery life; Able to do lots of gaming, though this is not a "gaming laptop"; Probably won't handle the new high-end games, but I have played S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky, on Medium res settings..; no problem; I have also played F.E.A.R; 2, on higher res no problem.
The back-lit keyboard is really great for working in the dark; Perhaps I should list this in the cons, and may I will, but the only thing I don't like is it only lights up when you press a key..; for about 3 seconds (and continues to stay lit as you continue to press keys).