Which Laptop Is Better: Comparison

[MatrixmaN]

Ok, I'm having a problem.

I have a choice between 2 Laptops:

ASUS A2 Laptop @ $1,089
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...egory=177&rd=1

or

ECS G733 laptop @ $1,049
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...egory=177&rd=1

I do multimedia and graphics work: Photoshop, Paintshop, Illustrator, Flash, 3D Studio Max, Bryce, Swift 3D, Dreamreaver, Premier and of course some games (my home comp is the gaming rig but I do need a hightech gameboy ya know)

Which should I get and here are my reasons for having such a difficult choice:

The ASUS Notebook has a couple features that I want/need/sound better. Those would be the:

3in1 Card reader for starters....I need that to make use of this camera I bought awhile ago. I'm not sure how much those card readers go for individually but I have to get those prom pics offa my camera eventually.

Also In comparison the ASUS has SXGA in contrast to the ECS with just XGA. What is the difference? It it highly notable? Will it affect me in any negative or graphically derogatory way to NOT have it?

It seems to have better cooling system or something over the ECS but im not sure if thats all just advertizing hype the ECS left out...

The benefit of the ECS is very simple:

It has the newer SiS 651 chipset in contrast to the ASUS's 650. The upgrade gives it a 3D engine....is this a big difference? Does anybody know? Does the ASUS have no 3D capabilities (goodbye quake 3)?

The 3D engine is the BIG hitch holding me up.....if it's a very prominent detraction it will justify my purchase....


HELP......thanks.

[ArcticFox]

I'd snap up the Asus. It has a better screen, and the whole thing sems like the more powerful one.

[MatrixmaN]

What do you mean?

What makes the screen so much better?

[ArcticFox]

The resolution: SXGA vs XGA as you said. If you do Photoshop like me, it's a godsend to have a monitor that runs at a higher res. I run at 1600x1200 and it's perfect.

[MatrixmaN]

Well, I picked the ECS due to the 3D engine capabilities.

The ASUS had alot of good features but without 3D support (I read up on the 650 chipset, crap graphics) It wouldnt mesh well with 3d studio or even quake 3.

It also saved me a few bucks, but since my home computer is more of a power rig I have the 21inch screen & 1600x1200 to do the dirty work.

[ArcticFox]

It all depends on what your doing. The only complaint I have of my laptop is it's 15" LCD is only 1024x768. I don't need it for gaming, just fooling around so I use SuSE on it. If your looking to do some gaming, then the ECS would be a better choice.