Hp pavilion vs Sony vaio. Which one should I get?

Two good choices

Those are two good choices. Odds are, you will be happy with either of them. Those were two of my finalists a couple weeks ago also; I selected the Sony VGN-FW390, almost identical configuration to what you have there. I also considered the HP dv5tse, a 15.4” model, as well as the dv6z. It sounds like you are looking at models configured for outside the U.S.

I am no expert, but I see the following as differences of note:

The Sony has 1600x900 resolution, the HP 1368x768. This is a noticeable difference for displaying text, but it may or may not be important for you. Both are 16:9 aspect for optimal DVD viewing.

I don’t really know if the Radion 4650 and 3470 cards are very different from each other.

4 USBs for HP, 3 USBs for Sony. I don’t know if you will really need 4 at once, but the USB port placement on the Sony is a little awkward, on right side toward front.

HP has 101 keys – looks like a full numeric keypad – that’s good if you have the need, but otherwise it’s wasted space, IMO.

The Sony is just slightly lighter, 3.1 vs 3.14 kg -– mine feels quite light. I replaced by old HP Pavilion 17”, which is heavier, but the new HPs are probably quite different from the old models.

The Sony is slightly larger in width and height, but not as thick.
I really like the Sony keyboard – very convenient. I’m not sure if your model of the HP is the same, but if it is the shiny metallic silver look, I didn’t like that in the store as well. It really did show fingerprints immediately.

I think HP has the more attractive options for accidental damage coverage and extended warranty. Possibly a better rep for support in general, not sure. But they are both high quality, so I can't say that it would be a good bet to get the extended warranty. If you are going to be lugging it around a whole lot, or if you have small children around, you might think about the accident protection for a year or two.