Graphics and sound card questions

Hi every1!

I'm about to buy a 14.1" laptop and the decision is between Asus F8SA and Compal IFT00.

Their main features are:

ASUS F8SA:

Resolution WXGA+ (1440x900)
Processor - T7500
RAM - 2Gb (2 x 1024 DDRII)
Graphics card - ATI HD2600 256Mb
Hard-drive - SATA 160Gb 5400rpm

Compal:

Resolution WXGA (1280x800)
Processor - T7700
RAM - 4 Gb (2 x 2048 DDRII) + Intel Turbo Memory
Graphics card - nVIDIA GeForce 8400GS (256 + 512Mb)
Hard-drive - SATA II 200Gb 7200rpm


Overall, I prefer the Compal and the only hardware component that stands out as better in the Asus is the graphics card: ATI HD2600 256Mb in the Asus better than the nVIDIA GeForce 8400GS (256 + 512Mb) in the Compal; which, along with the screen, makes possible a better resolution.

1st Issue
Thing is, I don't do gaming and am only concerned with the graphics card ability in fully handling Windows Vista OS, playing DivX movies and working with music production software (Reason, Cubase, Sonar, etc) and music mixing software (Virtual Dj or Torq), which display mp3's files in a graphic manner (waves).

1st Question:
For Windows Vista graphics, Divx movies, and the various music software, does the difference between the two graphic cards show? Or does the difference only come out when handling more demanding tasks like games or rendering video, etc?

2nd Issue
As you've read, I plan to use the laptop for music production and mixing, so, the laptop's sound card is important. Asus has an Integrated Azalia compliant audio chip ( ftp://download.intel.com/standards/hdaudio/pdf/HDAudio_03.pdf) with 3D effect & full duplex and the Compal has a Realtek ALC268 ( http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/...d=1&PNid=24&PFid=27&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=140) Universal Audio Architecture compliant 2 channel HD Audio.

2nd Question:
Any1 has an idea if there is any substantial difference between them? Is any of these sound cards noticeably better than the other?


Thanks alot for your time and patience, hope to get nice answers soon!
Stay cool!

 

you sure you want a 14" laptop to mix music with? i can't imagine that the screen would have enough real estate for the software.

protools on my friends 2x20" LCDs is barely enough space.

 

I can imagine that a desktop with that kind of monitor assemble would be the best setting to produce and mix music.

Mainly I want a nice portable laptop with which I can do my academic work with, access Internet and use many Internet utilities, view some movies and, when inspired, produce and mix some music too! Nowadays many Dj's can be seen using laptops in their performances (which I have done too with no visualization problems) and many producers also use laptops, unleast for some part of their work!

This is a good enough solution weighting some other necessities, not an only music focused optimal solution!

Any hints on my questions?

 

1. No reason to buy the Asus if you don't game. An 8400 is plenty for Aero

2. Since you're going to mix music, you're probably going to get an external soundcard anyways, so it doesn't really matter.