Buying TODAY: Asus S56CA-DH51 vs. Lenovo IdeaPad U510

[lauraExplora]

I'm looking to buy a laptop ASAP.

My budget is $500, both laptops listed are priced at $450 right now with promo code.
Primary considerations are reliability of components and multitasking performance.
Primary usage is Wi-Fi web browsing, streaming music/video, Eclipse IDE, R, Octave.
I plan to use the laptop with Ubuntu, but would like to know if compatible with Windows 7.

ASUS S56CA-DH51

Intel Core i5-3317U (1.70GHz)
6GB DDR3 RAM, 750GB HDD+24GB SSD
15.6" HD LED 1366x768, Intel HD Graphics 4000
Windows 8 64-Bit (Free Upgrade to Windows 8.1)
Built in DVD±R/RW
1 yr Accidental Damage Protection w/ 30 day 0 Bright Dot Guarantee

Lenovo IdeaPad U510

Intel Core i5-3337U(1.80GHz)
6GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB HDD + 24GB SSD
15.6" LED Display 1366x768, Intel HD Graphics 4000
Windows 8 6-bit (Free Upgrade to Windows 8.1)
Internal DVD±R/RW

More specs at: http://bit.ly/1axgBQL

More details:

Screen size preferred is 15-15.6", unsure about resolution (average screen is ok).
Laptop will be primarily desktop replacement, but will also be moved around the house and travelling.
Battery life not very important (4 hrs sufficient).
Hard drive size 500GB+ is sufficient.
I would like to keep this laptop 3+ years.

The Lenovo seems to have marginally better specs, but I have heard wi-fi adapter may have issues. However, I'm skeptical of negative bias in reviews, so I would appreciate any feedback.


Thanks in advance for a prompt reply!

 

[lauraExplora]

UPDATE

I decided to purchase the ASUS S56CA-DH51. It came down to the fact that I won't need the extra hard disk space that the Lenovo comes with in the near future, and I may upgrade the slow hard drive anyway. On the other hand, the 1 year accidental damage protection offers some piece of mind.