cyrnel

Hate to say it Will, but that Gateway sucks.

You should compare the portability (size/weight), as well as video and screen options.

This ASUS is outstanding for $1288: ASUS A8 Series A8JP-4S029M

Display: 14" WXGA+ 1440x900 (better)
Processor: Core 2 Duo T7200 (The same 2GHz, 4MB L2 cache)
RAM: 1GB DDR2 667 (same, but the VRAM makes it better)
Hard Drive: 120GB 5400RPM SATA (better) (another $150 if from Apple)
Optical: 8x DVD burner (better)
Wireless: 802.11abg/Bluetooth/IRDA (IRDA better)
LAN: 10/100/1000 (same)
Video: Dedicated Mobility X1700 with its own 256MB (Better than the MBPro)
Video out: DVI, VGA, S-Video (way better)
Cards: MMC, SD, MS, MS PRO, and an ExpressCard 54 slot (all better)
Other: 5xUSB, 1x1394a, 1xheadphone, 1xmicrophone (+4 USB better)
Webcam: yes, but crappy (worse)
Weight: 5.25lbs (same)
Warranty: 2yr parts & labor (+1yr)
Other: Carrying case, mouse, junk. (all better)
OS: Media Center (free Vista upgrade) (different)

The only place the MacBook does better is the pre-N wireless, better webcam, and style. The MacBook's slightly smaller size may be better or worse.

Oh, and the ASUS has user upgradeable everything. Everything that's available anyway: RAM, HD, video, wireless, even the CPU.

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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195