Help me choose a laptop

I need a new laptop before I head of to school (RIT) in a few weeks. I need buy this from a store as my mom refuses to buy stuff online. Plus I need it ASAP so I don't want to wait for a few days shipping. My budget is best left under $1000 preferable lower if possible. Whichever I get I will probably get it before the week is out.

I figure I want a Core 2 Duo, 2 gigs ram, and run Vista. I have narrowed down to 2 choices.
Gateway M6817 or Acer Aspire 5630-6288

Gateway M6817 specs:
$849.99
-Intel Core 2 Duo T5250
-200gb hd
-2gb DDR2
-15.4" screen
The gateway seems to be a better model for performance. It has dedicated graphics so it is slightly better for gaming. It also has a larger HD but I do use an external so not an issue there. The case itself is really cool looking.

Acer Aspire 5630-6288
$699.99
-Intel Core 2 Duo T5500
-160gb hd
-2gb DDR2
-15.4" screen
The Acer costs significantly less which is very important. It has embedded graphics so not as great for gaming. Although not sure how much I would use this for gaming as my ultimate goal is to build a dedicated gaming rig soon. The processor itself is slightly better. I have heard of concerns about build quality on recent Acers. Also apparently the webcam is prone to not working, I don't really care too much and I think it may be a software based issue.

If you want it for gaming, get the Gateway, if not, just get the Acer as it is cheaper. I for one would go with the Gateway if I couldn't have a good ol' desktop.

I would also go with the gateway. I just don't know too much about Acer (I don't think anyone really does...). Gateway has been around much longer, also.

Both me and my dad bought gateway laptops and have been very happy with them so far. I'd recommend them.

I've had an acer laptop for about 8 months now, and i've been really happy with it, i brought it because it was cheap, but the specs far outweighed anything else available in its price range and up to £100 higher.

Its been really stable and reliable the whole time i've had it.

Apart from now, but thats because it took quite a smack the other day, so i might be able to tell you how acer are with there warrenty stuff soon!

I think I will be getting the Gateway, thanks for the input. Let you know what I end up with.

I would say the Gateway.

Well I'm here I might as well add that my friend has an Acer and it's great. Also if you get it from Best Buy you can afford to get their service plan for the amount of money you'd save. And believe me, on laptops their service plan is worth it.

as far as my personal experiences with Acer, got 3 of their 22" widescreen monitors. Love them to death and they work perfectly.
So I'd say, get the Acer, cover your ass with a warranty and have some cash for beers.

good luck with school!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their advice and help. I decided on the gateway and picked it up about a week or so ago. Here are some pictures, I immediately download a TBSC background for it. It looks really cool, I have no plans for modding it at this point, maybe in a few years.

Looks good... certainly better than the £72 laptop I'm waiting on delivery of (I love eBay!).

Have fun!

How come when I went back too school (many moons ago) I got a new rucksack and pencil case, and you get a laptop?

I hate life :(