Stuck between two models

[ST3218]

I'm stuck between two laptop models from Newegg. I read a similar posting on whether to go AMD Turion x2 Ultra or Intel Core 2 Duo. In this case, both laptops cost the same and are pretty similar in most areas. I would be using this laptop mainly for school which involves a lot of IT security programs, as I'm majoring in Computer Forensics. I'm looking to do a split OS between XP and Wunix. Which brings me to another point, they both have Vista.. Vista sucks, is it possible for me to load my XP Pro on and not have any issues with drivers or lag?

The computers in the TI lab at school are Intel Core 2 @ 1.86 with 2gb of ram. Some of the programs cause a little lag on that. Here's a list of the programs I would be putting on my laptop:

Backtrack 2 (biggest lag)
GPG
Putty & Putty-gen
md5sum
etherchange
tcpdump/windump
wireshark
nessus
metasploit
john the ripper
nmap
netstat
IPSec
Cain
Sam Spaid

(I do not do anything illegal with these programs!!)

Two Computers:

ASUS F8 Series F8Sp-X1 Intel Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz) 14" Wide XGA 3GB Memory 250GB HDD DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 NoteBook - Retail $899.

* Tech: Intel Centrino Processor Technology
* Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
* CPU Type: Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0G
* Screen: 14" WXGA
* Memory Size: 3GB DDR2
* Hard Disk: 250GB
* Optical Drive: DVD Super Multi
* Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
* Model #: F8Sp-X1

ASUS M51 Series M51TA-X2 AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82(2.20GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA+ 4GB Memory 250GB HDD DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 NoteBook - Retail $899.

* Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
* CPU Type: AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82 2.2G
* Screen: 15.4" WXGA+
* Memory Size: 4GB DDR2
* Hard Disk: 250GB
* Optical Drive: DVD Super Multi
* Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
* Video Memory: 512MB
* Model #: M51TA-X2

I did just notice the Intel is $200 off and the AMD is $100 off, but I would still like an honest opinion here. Thanks!

[Lacus]

Well, go for the Intel platform. With the application your're running..you are better off with the F8Sp-X1

[Chai]

Check the website if they have XP drivers for these models.

[ST3218]

Originally Posted by Chai

Check the website if they have XP drivers for these models.

It comes with an XP driver's CD, so that's a good sign.

[g0tanks]

I'd go for the second one, since it has a higher resolution. I don't think 200mhz will make a big difference.

[Lacus]

C2D ftw Unlike HP, Asus usually have driver for both Vista and Xp. Only HP only restricts user to use Vista. :/

[Chai]

Originally Posted by g0tanks

I'd go for the second one, since it has a higher resolution. I don't think 200mhz will make a big difference.

There's a reason why second has better overall specs while the price is still the same.

[Max_87]

Originally Posted by g0tanks

I'd go for the second one, since it has a higher resolution. I don't think 200mhz will make a big difference.

Nope, we are talking about C2D and Turion here. Big difference.

[g0tanks]

Originally Posted by Max_87

Nope, we are talking about C2D and Turion here. Big difference.

Well yes, there is a big difference in raw processing power. But will it really matter that much for a laptop? Unless you plan to do some CPU intensive stuff then higher resolution/bigger screen is going to be much nicer overall.

[Max_87]

How do you know ST3218 is not going to do any CPU intensive task on the laptop?

From ST3218's list of softwares, I'd say he/she needs the C2D.