I have an Asus and I freakin love it.
But they dont make anything with a GPU comparable to the 7900 series, the highest they go is the 7700, and you're pushin $2k then.
My fiancee has the e1705, its pretty decent, but its huge. Good screen though, and its durable.
How much is it? I've seen some e1705 with 7900GS go on eBay NIB for like $1300-$1400.