SATA performance is NOT AT ALL better. At least, not YET. With NCQ (never heard of? google for it) there will be a difference. Still not very big. If you can choose between SATA, PATA and the PATA version is cheaper, go for the PATA one! I'd definetly go for the LCD! Unless you're still working with a 20 GB hard disk... I'm working on a Hyundai Q17 17 inch flatscreen with 1280*1024 and..... it's marvellous!