Looking to get a desktop replacement laptop

[Collectordragon]

I'm going back to college this summer and need a new computer. I'm looking to get a desktop replacement laptop because I'll be doing a lot of traveling and moving around including a study abroad. I want a really powerful computer that will serve me well for the next four years or so doing everything on it from high-end gaming, to multimedia editing, to school work (foreign language major and possible computer science minor or dual major). It doesn't need to be super portable since I already have a netbook like computer for that. I'd like it to have an 18" screen ideally. Any recommendations? The Alienware M18x seems nice but way overpriced after I added the features I wanted. It ended up around $3000 which would be the absolute limit I'd be willing to spend. I'd much rather spend about half that. Any recommendations?