The others are more common outside the US. And while Lenovo set their brand on fire, in this price range you should check it out.
Bob
I am looking into getting a good gaming laptop, preferred below 1300 dollars (stock price or discounted price, though can go a little above) which can provide the following specifications:
-15 or 17 inch laptop
-back lit keyboard ( prefer programmable/able to change colors etc)
-Touch screen optional
-Storage: SSD + Hardrive or just SSD
-Slim (ish) laptops preferred but not limited to
-Core i7 processor 4th gen +, 2.4ghz+
-8GB+ of RAM
Here are some options I am currently considering:
-MSI GS60 Ghost
-HP Omen 15-5010r
-MSI GE60 Apache Pro
-MSI GE70 Apache Pro

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic