Asus or HP Laptop for Gaming and Video / Photo Editing

[inanlt]

I am debating between these 2 systems, any input would be appreciated. I do a lot of video and photo editing and I like to leave more windows open than I should. I am a casual gamer, but I get annoyed when it doesn't run smoothly. Since I am being forced into Windows 8, I would prefer a touch screen, but it is not a deal breaker, just a consideration.

Pros and Cons
4th generation i7 on HP vs 3rd on Asus
16gb ram on HP vs. 8 on the Asus
Touchscreen on HP
Much better video card on Asus
Asus is HEAVY
Asus was designed as a gaming machine, where as I am putting together the HP


ENVY TouchSmart 17t-j100 Quad Edition (upgraded) $1210
Components
• Windows 8.1 64
• 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7-4700MQ Processor
• Included 2 Year Warranty
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M Graphics with 2048MB of dedicated video memory
• 17.3-inch diagonal Full HD LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080)
• 16GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
• NO mSSD Hard Drive Acceleration Cache
• No Additional Office Software
• Security Software Trial
• 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• Standard Keyboard
• Webcam and Microphone
• 802.11b/g/n WLAN
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do


Asus - 17.3" Laptop - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive $1249
3rd Gen Intel® Core™ i7-4700HQ processor
Features a 6MB L3 cache and 2.4GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz.
Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.
8GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Create custom DVDs and CDs.
17.3" LED-backlit TFT-LCD high-definition widescreen display
With 1920 x 1080 resolution showcases movies and games in arresting clarity.
1TB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M graphics
Feature 2GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory for lush, detailed images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
Built-in 1.0MP webcam and microphone
Make it easy to video chat with family and friends.
2-in-1 media reader
Supports MultiMediaCard and Secure Digital formats.
4 USB 3.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11ac)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Bluetooth interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-17-3-laptop-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/8937112.p?id=1218954923465&skuId=8937112#tab=overview

 

[Thyrax]

I believe the first option is the one I would choose if I had to necessarily choose between these 2 since it fits all of your needs an wants and then some with that 16GB of RAM. That will last you for many many years to come. However, I would definitely shop around for on newegg or any other computer outlet store to ensure you get the best bang for your budget. $1200, there are a ton of options out there and there are factory builds that come with Windows 7 if you dislike Windows 8.

Hope this helps

 

[inanlt]

Thanks for your suggestion. I was also kinda leaning that way, but was a little concerned about all the components "playing nicely" with each other since I was piecing it together with the options that I wanted. Apparently HP was having a sale last week, now it is $100 more. It will be interesting to see which machine goes on sale first, because that one may win...