I'm also looking into buying a 17" gaming laptop. After some research, i've concluded that the only viable brands are sager(np8170), msi(gt780r) or asus(g74sx). I'm leaning towards sager right now and most people recomment it over all the others.
Edit* just ordered a sager but its only the 8130(15" version)
Still 1080p but lighter so its all good.