The ThinkPad will have the AMD integrated graphics, so if you plan to do a lot of heavy lifting in the photo or video editing I'd say even the mobile GeForce graphics will perform better than any integrated chip. However it's designed for gaming, and like you said, it's not going to be used to gaming. If time isn't an issue (i.e. rendering, etc.) then perhaps the E495 just for the cheaper price and likely better support. The ROG only has 8GB of ram according to the page you linked, which will choke on video editing. (I've tried, it hurts.) The ThinkPad will likely last you a long time regardless, but if you treat either well, I see no reason for them to last years. I have a 2006 MacBook that's still kicking, just got to treat your things right!