HP v Gateway 17"

[mrmark27]

I have asked a few questions in the past and gotten great feedback so was hoping that I could get some help on comparing these 2 notebooks that we are looking at for my dad. He wants a 17" laptop and I wanted something that would have the T6600 processor and wireless N network card. For the most part, he just uses the notebook for the internet and some streaming media. What do people think of this HP and Gateway notebooks. Also, what are peoples opinions of gateway lately?

http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+NightSky+Black/9548661.p?id=1218122908891&skuId=9548661

http/www.staples.com/HP-G71-340US-Laptop/product_827770?storeId=10001&jspStoreDir=Staples&cmSearchKeyword=g71&fromUrl=home&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&cmArea=SEARCH&ddkey=StaplesSearch

The gateway has a larger hd and ddr3 ram v ddr2, however the larger hd is negligible and from what i've read, the ddr2 v ddr3 isn't that much of a difference. Ultimately, I think it comes down to the brand of Gateway v HP and which is a better build.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[frozenlead]

In my experience, Gateway and HP are pretty much on the same level.

If you don't care about the hard disk bump, leave the decision to aesthetics. Which looks better to you?