DisplayPort (HDMI will not drive 2560 resolutions unless there's a new spec out which actually will) - done. All models have this.
USB 3.0 (Make as many ports as possible USB 3.0) - Four included.
Thunderbolt (Twice as fast as USB3.0 and allows external graphics adapters) - Available if you require it, but not everyone does nor do they want the extra cost. There are no external graphics adapters available with mass compatibility like a normal graphics card. Sony's one is only compatible with its Ultrabook for example and it doesn't contain an internal high-spec GPU, which most notebooks do. There are many technical, political and market driven reasons why this cannot/won't be done.
Digital Output (this is severely lacking on the current G74. You have the combo Headphone/Digital Output on your Xonar U3 USB stick, just use that same idea here) - Then buy the U3 😉
And while we're on the topic of sound quality, better AMP/DAC then what is on the G74! Again, if nothing else, just take your Xonar U3 USB soundcard and embed it into the notebook (please make sure its properly shielded from noise, properly grounded, and ensure its output impedance is as close to 0 ohm as possible) - Then buy the U3 😉
nVidia Optimus Technology - This is extremely important. With the 3000 series of embedded graphics on the Ivy Bridge, it'll be possible to play some games without using the dedicated card. This'll allow for gaming on battery which is currently impossible (past the 15-20 minute mark ). Basically the entire gaming catelogue from GOG.COM will be playable with this option and we could get about 2 hours of gaming on battery with this option) - It's not available sorry.
Preferable but not required:
Swap out the D-SUB analog VGA out for DVI-D (Dual Link) - HDMI is available, this can be converted to DVI. More people still require dsub in laptops to connect to projectors.
Option for:
Killer Wireless NIC (huge difference in wireless gaming over atheros and even an improvement over Intel NICs) - You are free to upgrade this yourself as the port is identical. Most people do not demand it so we don't burden them with the cost.
High end videocard (nvidia 680M) - Please allow us the option of getting a laptop with a true high-end card. The 560M is decent for most things, but it could never act as a desktop replacement - 680M is not yet available, the part availability will likely be very low, the cost is prohibitive to many, the thermal/power/cooling requirements would make the chassis grossly larger, not to mention an absolute killer to battery life. The G series team feels the 670M gives the best value:performance in all factors. If you want something the size as a DTR then there's an argument for just going mini-ITX desktop! 😉
No OS - Other laptop manufacturers offer this option so its possible. Some want Home, some want Professional, some want Ultimate. Let the user decide and skip preloading a version. Please consider saving us the $100-200 dollars. - To be frank with you, there's no chance sorry. No one does this. You'll have to go to a specialist white-box retailer.
EDIT: Addendum:
Dual BIOS Switch for upgrading the motherboard BIOS. Small cost to you in design, big saving to you in reduction of RMA's based on failed flashes. - Unfortunately BIOS Flashback is not available on this generation :(:(
Thoughts?
