You could get the Asus and always get the portable DVD burner . The Asus is a lot thinner and has a Gigabit Ethernet LAN which is good .
For others to take a look at without clicking on the links
Information
Asus Asus X501A-SI30302Q Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch 1,366 x 768 pixels
Processor: Intel Core i3-3120M, 3MB L3 cache, 2.5GHz clock speed
Graphics: Intel HD integrated
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1,600MHz RAM
Storage: 500GB hard drive at 5,400rpm
Optical drive: none
Webcam: 1MP
Audio: stereo speakers, SonicMaster Lite audio technology
Network: Wireless-N, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, no Bluetooth
Input: Chiclet-style keyboard, number pad, wide touchpad without physical buttons
Ports and Slots: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, multi-formatcard reader
Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion
Dimensions: 1.3″ x 15″ x 10″
Weight: 4.6 pounds
OS: Windows 8
Warranty: 1-year
Information
Toshiba Satellite C855-S5108 Specifications
Display: 15.6″ LED-backlit TFT HD widescreen display, 1366 x 768 px
Processor: 3rd Gen Intel Core i3-3120M, 3MB cache, 2.5GHz processor speed
Graphics: Intel HD graphics
Memory: 4GB DDR3 memory, expandable to 16GB
Storage: 500GB Serial ATA HDD (5400 rpm)
Optical drive: DVD burner
Webcam: HD webcam
Audio: stereo speakers, Toshiba audio enhancement
Network: 802.11n wireless, 10/100 Ethernet LAN, no Bluetooth
Input: full-size keyboard with numeric-pad and touchpad
Ports and Slots: 1 x USB 3.0 port, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, multi-format memory card reader
Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion battery
Dimensions: 1.3 x 15 x 9.5 in
Weight: 5.4 lbs
OS: Windows 8
Warranty: 1-year