Gateway MP8708 went with Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz processor built in, and Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G with Core 2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz.
Screen size on both models(Gateway MP8708 and Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G) is 17".
More RAM on Gateway MP8708 means less swapping on hard drive. MP8708 had 2GB. Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G had only 1GB of RAM which might not suit users who wants to run many programs at once.
MP8708 weigths less with its 3.45kg than the another .
Video card in use in Gateway MP8708 is Intel 950 and in Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G is Nvidia Go 7400.
We like that video card on Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G have own video memory (64MB) and therefore its faster since it doesn't use main memory and mainboard controller is less loaded.
Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G had more capacity of hard disk (200GB, comparing to 160GB).
Gateway MP8708 has faster hard drive (with 5400rpm).
Bluetooth exists only on Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G model and you might need it for pictures on your camera or mobile phone.
If you have infrared enabled devices if you buy Gateway MP8708 you won't be able to communicate with them.
Both models have PCMCIA built-in needed by some TV cards for laptops.
Modem is built in both laptops.
Both notebooks have cardreaders.
Disadvantage of both is lack of DVI output for connection to some modern monitors.
Advantage of Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G is existance of TV output.
These laptops aren't really good for video conferencing since they haven't web camera inside.
Both came with XP Media Center operating system on them.
Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G came with Works 8.3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, Premiere Elements 2.0 as additional software, and Gateway MP8708 came with Works 8.5, Money 2006.
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