Both are fine.
AMDs are usually cheaper, making the laptop cheaper.
PC Pro magazine 3 choices for value notebook are:
Lenovo (was IBM) 3000 N100 TY06UUK. This has a widescreen TFT, 80Gb drive, 512Mb memory, DVD R/W, Intel Core Duo T2300E (556 pounds)
Sony VAIO VGN-FE31H with core 2 duo power, large hard disk and 15.4 inch screen (800 pounds)
Toshiba Satellite Pro A120 at 430 pounds. They say it is not the most powerful but at this price it is a bargain.