Hey guys...

Am deciding between two different ASUS laptops...

Need your assistance

Keen to buy from B & H Photo in US as the prices are better than Australia...

These are the contenders:

ASUS G51JX-X5 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Computer.html US $1400 with $100 rebate so US $1300
This has i7 processor with short battery life around 2 hours

ASUS UL30Vt-A1 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Computer.html US $735.00
This has Dual Core processor with long battery life around 10 hours

Main use for the laptop will be:
Websurfing
Email
Editing photos with Lightroom and Photoshop
Editing videos once I buy my new Canon 7D
Will use the computer most of the time at home but do like it to have a long battery the i7 laptop battery will last two hours at max

Wants:
At least 500GB drive
Fast computer that will not lag
Good battery life (have been using Asus netbook whilst travelling the battery lasts for around 5 hours this is great but need to update)
HDMI connection could be good

Questions:
1. Either Dual Core or i7 (of course i7 is faster but for my needs will I really benefit)?

2. HDMI is it a lot better than a usual VGA connection? I have a 24 inch Samsung monitior that I will use to edit photos most of the time

3. Is i7 processors that much better for my intended use?

Thanks in advance!!

Will tell you the outcome once I purchase which will be hopefully in a few days!