i would choose the hp as i had a really bad experience with the viao, they are over priced and dont perform as well. my friend has a 2-3 yr old hp laptop and its great. hp is really a good brand, i would also suggest dell even though you dont have it on ur list since they make great laptops. however, in the end i would choose the hp. it stands out with performance, bad cpu in the toshiba, dont trust gateway and sony, so that leaves hp.