I'm going to be upgrading my laptop soon and want to be sure I get one that is capable, even over the top capable to run all current and hopefully future Sim games. I have currently got all the Sims 4 EP's GP's and SP's. I'd like to keep it under $1500 but will go as high as $2000 to get what I want and will kick butt.

I've noticed also that most of the new models don't have a DVD R/W of any type built in. Is it better now to just purchase an external one now?

Any guidelines, recommendations and advice is greatly appreciated!

This one works great. nice big screen, fast.
Dell G3 17 Gaming laptop.
https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/27xu

Get an external DVD drive if you need it. The laptop specs are more important.