The intel laptop is better, but it has a bad hard drive and an "ok" processor. You can get a better deal online.
The pre-configured model of the HP Pavilion dv6830us has 3gb's of ram, 250gb hard drive, dual layer dvd lightscribe burner, and a better core 2 duo processor. $879.99.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/notebooks/dv6700t_series/rts/4/computer_store/KN946UA%2523ABA
That is a great value, but it has integrated graphics. Try looking at dell.com/xps, or hp's notebooks.