N51 vs N70?

So, I'm currently debating between ordering the ASUS N51Vf-A1 and N70SV-X1.

Spec-wise, the two systems are virtually identical. Both run what look to be the same 2.66 GHz processor, have 4GB of RAM, the same nVIDIA GT 130M card, etc... The biggest difference with the internals, as far as I'm concerned anyway, is that the N70 has effectively double the HD of the N51. But...ultimately, this difference is mainly academic, as I won't really need to have the extra 320GB that the N70 provides constantly at hand, and can just use an external drive.

The biggest difference that actually affects me is size. The N70 has a 17.3" screen, and, according to all sources I've managed to find (although it doesn't make sense) measures just over 18 inches across. The N51 has a 15.4" screen, and measures just under 15" across. I do not want to have a monster laptop. Yes, I'm buying this one to be my multimedia laptop / desktop replacement, but I don't want a huge beast, regardless.

Now, my friend had a Dell Inspiron 9300 - which has a 17" screen, and which, according to specs, measures 15.5" across. From what I recalled of this, it was large enough that I wanted nothing to do with it. Given this experience, I'm leaning to the N51, because if I thought a 15.5" computer was too big, an 18+" one will certainly annoy me. On the other hand, I find it strange that two computers with similar screens could have such an immense disparity in size, given that the 9300 also has a wide screen, and looks to actually have more "non-screen" space than the ASUS. Does anyone have experience with these two, and could compare their sizes for me? The N70 is tempting as all hell...but not so tempting that I'd sacrifice half of my coffee table for it. Thanks!

 

I'd personally go with the N51 since it's basically the same as the N70, but in a smaller, more portable form factor. I would however, recommend you purchase the N51Vf-A1 from GentechPC instead of newegg. Gentech offers the same unit for a slightly cheaper price, and also provides exceptional customer and technical service which newegg can't offer.

 

Thanks for the advice. Earlier this morning I was actually looking at getting it from xoticpc.com, based on some mentions of it that I've seen here. It's also slightly cheaper than Newegg, and allows some little customization, to boot. Any thoughts about it?

 

With Xotic PC you may be getting better warranty terms. I expect they have the usual ASUS package: 2 year warranty + 1 year accidental damage protection. Since NewEgg is not an ASUS reseller, they may not offer this and may only have 1year of warranty instead. Please check.

As to customization, make sure you don't customize the CPU since that voids the ASUS warranty. Even for the rest, I'd recommend just getting the stock config and upgrade later if you need it.

 

Honestly, the only thing I'd even consider upgrading is the OS - and even that wouldn't technically be an "upgrade," since I'd go from Vista 32bit to XP pro 64. But sounds like, given the slightly lower price and better warranty, Xotic may be the way to go.

 

I would go with the N51 if size is a factor.
The reason it's so much bigger is the screen resolution.
It's all about the 16:9 aspect ratio that laptop manufacturers are enamored with now, that stretches out laptop sizes a bit but also makes the width a little smaller too.
I don't get it either.