alternative to Best Buy/U50A-RBBML05

I want to pull the trigger ASAP. Didn't know anything about Asus until a couple of weeks ago, but really like what I've seen/read and would like to stay with one of their models.

I saw the U50A at BB, and it's now running for $600 which seems a great price for the package and I think it'll suit all my needs. Really my only hesitancy is I wouldn't mind a longer battery and I'd prefer the two year warranty if I buy elsewhere.

I also looked at the ASUS K50IJ-X8, but it doesn't have the chiclet keyboard I really like.

I'm also looking at the UL50vt which seems really impressive. It would give me much longer battery life, it a little lighter, 3 vs 2 DRAM and would have the two years vs one of warranty through Amazon. Not sure how much the separate graphic processor would help for my needs.

If you were me, would you pay the extra $225 (I can buy at BB tax free in Delaware) for the xtras for the UL50vt? Are their other Asus models I should consider or other manufacturer's models (e.g. the Aspire?)

My FAQ needs profile is below




General Questions

1) What is your budget? $600 to $900

2) What size notebook would you prefer? 15.6

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator. US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? Prefer Asus

5) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? web, powerpoint, word, outlook, excel, itunes, some video/tv, possibly some video and photo editing. usually have web with 8-10 tabs, outlook and one-two apps open at the same time.

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? Both

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games or types of games? No

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Would like it to be as long as possible, but maybe ~3-4 hour minimum

9) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
prefer seeing, but okay without

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows 7

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
WXGA+ or better

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
prefer non-glossy, but ok with glossy

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
a little, but not much

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Within the next 1-2 weeks, would like the laptop to last 2-3 years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 500GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
As much as possible, I'd hope for 320-500gb

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
prefer a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner, but not critical