Build a desktop for $1,000, don't buy laptops -- they're all non-upgradeable pieces of garbage.
I built one for $800 and maxes out any game I throw at it.
- AMD FX-8350 Eight cores, going to overclock to 5.0gHz to get on par with the new line-up
- Sapphire R9 280X Tri-X (when I get my Summer job, I'll probably be getting a R9 290X or another R9 280X to crossfire)
- 750w PSU, upgrading to a 1000w when I look to upgrade.
- Asus Sabertooth 990FX R2.0
- Windows 7 Professional
- CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo
- CoolerMaster case with three exhaust fans.