When I bought mine, I wanted a 17" laptop that was powerful, light and thin. The MBP was the only model that fit my criteria. I had been a Windows fan since Windows 95 came out and didn't know anything about Mac OS, but I thought I'd give it a try, as all of my photographer/designer friends used Macs. Now I can't imagine going back to Windows ever - it's so clunky. Now, there are those thinner laptop models from Dell that are almost as thin, but it looks like they're not built very well.
I looked at Alienware, Falcon NorthWest & Eurocom, and while the laptops by these companies had the computing power and high gamut screens, they were all too thick and heavy.
With the MBP, you'll get the best trackpad in the industry, a great feeling keyboard, an amazing screen & if you care, a great aesthetic design. Sure, they're more expensive, but if you're a professional photographer, that difference can be made up with an extra day or two of shooting.
That was a mature comment...
Show me a 17" Windows machine that is 1" thick and weighs 6 pounds. While the ASUS has impressive specs, it's way too big and heavy for photographic/video/graphic professionals to lug around from site to site.
If you're just a gamer that needs the fastest laptop because you play CoD at Waves Cafe at 3am, then the ASUS is probably perfect. You just need to get the best tool for your needs. No need to hate.