Any ideas for a good gaming laptop in between $500-850?

Yupp, buy a Desktop.

But in all seriousness, this is a good option for under $1000.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834127571

It's a little out of your price range, but if you can manage the extra, its worth it.

There are probably better options out there, this is just what I found at first glance.

P.S. If its not absolutely essential that it's a laptop, I would get a desktop. They are bigger and bulkier, and lack the mobility of a laptop; but they tend to have a lot better specs for the same price. Just my opinion.

I would like a desktop, but I am going to be going to college next year and a laptop would be a much smarter choice.

Well, at second glance I found this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834215254

It has more RAM, not sure about the g-card. Not very familiar with the laptop series, but it has better stats. Plus its in your price range.