Processor in Sony Vaio VGN-FS980 is Pentium M740 1.73GHz, and in laptop Gateway MP8708 is Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz.
Screen size at Gateway MP8708 is quite larger with its 17" than Sony Vaio VGN-FS980 with its 15.4".
You should expirience less swapping on Gateway MP8708 than on Sony Vaio VGN-FS980 when you run many programs, since Gateway MP8708 has 2GB of RAM, comparing to 1GB on other model.
The RAM memory in use on both laptops is DDR2.
There are 1 free RAM slots on Vaio VGN-FS980 rather than 0.
For people who travells more, Sony Vaio VGN-FS980 might be better choise because of 2.72kg in weight, comparing to 3.45kg weight with Gateway MP8708.
Graphic is built around Intel GMA900 on Vaio VGN-FS980, but graphic on other laptop is Intel 950.
Both products uses maximum 128MB of RAM as shared for their graphic cards.
More hard disk space were at Gateway MP8708 (160GB is contast to 80GB).
Gateway MP8708 laptop have faster hard drive rotating on 5400rpm.
These laptops can communicate using firewire with camcorders and some other video devices.
Both models have PCMCIA built-in needed by some TV cards for laptops.
For some rare location without proper Internet connection, you might need modem which is available in both laptops in this comparison.
Note that Gateway MP8708 cannot perform 1Gbit/s connection on fast networks, it will work on those, but with speed of 100Mbit/s.
Cardreader is inside both laptops.
Disadvantage of both is lack of DVI output for connection to some modern TFT monitors.
Both laptops are equipped with 54Mbit/s wireless.
Quite disadvantage of both models is lack of web camera which is needed for Internet telephony.
Vaio VGN-FS980 drives XP Home and MP8708 drives XP Media Center operating system.
There are some special software suits and software packs with both : Works 8.5, Money 2006 with Gateway MP8708 and Works 8.5 with Sony Vaio VGN-FS980.
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