Any experience in Sony Laptops around?

[T1tan]

G'day,

I'm looking at getting a lappy in the next week or two. There are two that I have narrowed it down to, pending alternatives - both are sony (I think they are pretty decent value for the price) - one is smaller while the other larger.

The one I'm probably going to end up with is the following:
Sony VGNSZ25GP $3000
13.3" wide

but the second, cheaper & better specced (but bigger) machine is the following:
Sony VGNFE28GP $2800
15.4" wide

Both are very similar in hardware specs.

I was really wondering if anyone has had previous experience with sony laptops? I am going the sony route mainly because its not bad value, and they are thin and rather light.

I would like the smaller laptop really, but I'm just wondering how cramped it might get with the size.

Would anyone know any other similarly sized & specced machines for less?

[tin]

My experiance with Sony in general is that you never really know what quality it's going to be. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's craphouse. I avoid Sony now because it's easier than solving the issues it could end up with if it's a bad line.
Last Sony laptop I saw was very pretty, but very, ummm, unpleasant to use. That was about 5 years ago, so they've probably changed a lot since.

Samsung and Toshiba both make thin, small laptops (I think Toshiba still do anyway). Can't speak for price on these though... I havent looked, Im just suggesting them as potential alternative brands.

[Rass]

my gf got herself a sony laptop 2-3 years ago, only just noticed a dead pixel last month and the ctrl key on the left is getting a little spotty.

If you are using it as a desktop replacement, get the biggest one you can.

[Kelvin]

Hmm.. the a spare battery for my Sony PCG-SR9,, costs $599 or $699 for a new one... even when I first bought my notebook...

Best to stick with common notebooks. for the ease of getting parts later on... Warranty also sucks at one year...

[checks202]

To be honest, Sony are a bit of a hit and miss. There are better value options out there that have a better name. Go for them. Sony need to work a little on their reputation on their laptops imo. The average life span of a sony laptop is 2 - 3 years. A good brand will last anywhere from 3 1/2 to 6 years if looked after really well.

[Icefire]

Personally the Vaio's IMO are well built solid notbooks, parts cost a bomb though, although the screens are great and the Ultra portable models with the LED screens are really durable.

The entire range is made of magnesium alloy chassis bar a few which are carbon fiber which IMO is quite a step up from most companies which use plastic chassis.

[t00ch]

Be very careful with the Vaio's, very nice looking, but parts cost an absolute bomb. We had one in at work recently, can't remember the model number. Basically it required a new HDD, of which would normally cost around $150-200. This particular Vaio used a non standard HDD (thinner than normal, a normal one would not fit), replacement cost $1400!!

If you do decide to get one, DEFINITELY get an extended warranty.

EDIT: Sony's are now made by ASUS, whose reputation seems pretty good these days. Decent warranty support, 2 yr warranty standard, might be worth looking into them.

[Varuna]

Sony make two different lines of machines. The ones built by Sony in Japan, and the ones built by ODM's under licence for Sony in China.

Only the Sony Japan ones are worth buying, and they're priced accordingly.

[T1tan]

any idea on which models are the ones built in japan? or should I just look at the bottom of each laptop?

$1400 for a freaken HDD?!?!?

hmm

any asus ones able to compete with the sony ones for price?

[Icefire]

Originally Posted by t00ch

EDIT: Sony's are now made by ASUS, whose reputation seems pretty good these days. Decent warranty support, 2 yr warranty standard, might be worth looking into them.

I'd like to know where your getting this information as its incorrect.

Back on topic, if I were to be buying a Sony VAIO, I'd be wating just a few days when the new line hits the shelves

[T1tan]

ta.

um, one thing: I would prefer an nvidia chipset

[Varuna]

Originally Posted by T1tan

any idea on which models are the ones built in japan? or should I just look at the bottom of each laptop?

You go to a sony store and see if they are both 'expensive' and 'built like a rock'. If both of these apply, then the unit is built in Japan. If you find that the unit feels like it was made out of wet newspaper, then it was built in China.

You can also google the model number to find out where it was manufactured.

[T1tan]

Good point.

Cheers, I'll see what I can find out

[t00ch]

Originally Posted by Icefire

I'd like to know where your getting this information as its incorrect.

Back on topic, if I were to be buying a Sony VAIO, I'd be wating just a few days when the new line hits the shelves

http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...nterestinginfo
Doesn't say that they are ALL made by Asus, but mentions that they make several Apple and Sony models.

[beeker]

Slightly off topic, but I was looking at the SZ18GP, but now that the SZ28GP is out, I'm thinking of that one. The top of the line Sony as expensive also because they contain new technology. These notebooks contain the new super slim screens with white LED backlighting. (Not in the SZ25GP though) They are also pretty light comparatively speaking.

However, I've noticed that ASUS will be releasing their W7J sometime soon. A couple of sites have already advertised them.

Basically almost the same as the SZ28GP without the new fangled stuff, 2 year warranty and cost about 2.5k They are a bit heavier than the Sony SZs though.

It also doesn't have the speed and stamina mode, just speed. Hardware accessories are definitely cheaper and the service is good too. (Currently have a W3V)