Looking for a laptop. Recommendations?

I'm a high school senior looking for a laptop for the rest of the current year and college.

I'm going to be going into computer science, so I think I'll need something at least decent.

I don't have a sure max budget right now, but let's say $500.

What I'm looking for in a laptop is a decently sized hard-drive, preferably 750 GB or more, but if I could get an overall better computer that only had 500GB of storage, I'd definitely take that, as I do have a 1TB external already. RAM at the VERY minimum 4GB, but I feel like I could easily get 6GB or even 8GB of RAM with a $500 laptop.

Graphics abilities are pretty important to me as well. My $300 desktop has integrated Intel HD 2000 and I'm looking for something better than that, as I'd like to use the laptop for gaming as well as everyday computing.

On-board sound quality isn't too important to me, as I plan to get an external DAC/amp pretty soon (probably FiiO E07K).

I'd preferably not have to get an HP or Dell, but.. if you truly think that they'd be best for my specifications, then by all means, suggest them.

Thanks!