Some laptop help needed...and calling all Sony VAIO owners!!

[funshine]

My faithful Thinkpad of 5 years looks and sounds like it might be dying soon, so I'm on the lookout for a new laptop, preferably one of those attractive Sony VAIOs🙂. Sony VAIO owners, tell me which one you got and whether it's serving you well!

I also have a few questions:

Is getting a laptop with the new Intel Centrino Duo Technology (the 64 bit Dual Core processor) really worth the extra money? This article here explains the difference in the new technology, and why it's important (namely compatibility with the new Windows Vista and future programs) but I wonder if I'll really need it for the purposes of med school. I'm not a gamer so I really only need it for school.

So, I'm thinking about the Sony VAIO SZ Series VGN-SZ220/B for $1,849.99 at Best Buy (see specs below). It's pricey but the reviews have been wonderful and it's lightweight (4 lbs). My rationale is, I'm already taking out 150K in loans so what's an extra $800 for a nice laptop, right? Plus, I'm going to use it for 4-8 years, so I might as well splurge. On the flip side, I wonder if such cutting-edge fanciness will go totally unappreciated by a computer-****** like me. I'm not really interested in playing around with my new laptop, no matter how cool it is.

I said I was leaning towards the SONY VAIO, but I'm open to other suggestions. Just no tablets, Macs, or Dells. I'm also on the lookout for a nice, light toshiba, so if anyone has one, let me know. Thanks for your help!

Sony VAIO SZ Series VGN-SZ220/B
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Processor T2400 CPU, 1GB (2x512MB) RAM, 120GB Hard Drive, Dual Layer DVD Burner, nVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hybrid Graphics, 13.3" Widescreen Display, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, 4.07 LB

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[funshine]

Here's the article I mentioned. The thing is, the laptops with the new dual core processors are usually lots more expensive.

64-Bit and Dual Core Mobile Processors Guide and Which to Buy

INTRODUCTION

This is the big debate right now. It's not about shader models. It's not about battery life. It's about 64-bit and dual core. These are the big buzz words being thrown around, but what do they mean? The salesman at the store tries to sell you a Turion 64 notebook because "this processor is 64-bit!" Well what the heck is that? "This is a Core Duo! It has two cores?" So that's like...having two processors, right? So that's twice as fast?

Notebook users right now are in the unique position of only being allowed to have one or the other, a problem which desktop users handily avoided with Intel and AMD rushing out the Pentium D and the Athlon 64 X2, neither of which has bothered to grace the notebook platform except in twelve pound land monsters. So the question of "how can I be future proof?" effectively has two answers, both simultaneously correct and incorrect.

I hope this article will shed some light on what each of these buzzwords means, and which capability you should care more about. It is without a doubt - and my editor even cautioned me about this - that this will spark fevered, possibly angry debate in the responses. I sincerely hope and expect that the debate will serve to further educate us. I'm certain it will also serve to prove how convoluted and swingy this debate is, too.

64-BIT

What does 64-bit mean? Processors in the consumer market prior to AMD's Athlon 64 and Intel's more recent Pentium 4 revisions were 32-bit processors. Well, double is better, right?

Let's just get that mentality out of our heads right now. More does not necessarily equate to better. In computers, twice doesn't mean twice as fast. Two graphics processors don't make your games run 100% faster, two processors don't make your programs run 100% faster, and 64-bit instead of 32-bit doesn't make your system run 100% faster.

The best analogy to make regarding 64-bit is effectively doubling the width of a road. If a 32-bit processor (existing Intel notebook processors, some AMD Sempron notebook processors) has a lane about as wide as a bike, that basically means you can't drive a car on it. The car just won't fit through the door. So you can move bike-sized data through it. 64-bit makes the lane wide enough to fit a car. So while your bike could bring one person through the gate, the car can bring two.

64-bit also allows for calculations with greater precision and improves the amount of memory your system can address, raising the limit from 4GB to well into the terabytes. You will never need that much RAM, for at least another year and a half. (That's a joke, folks, it'll be a little while before technology can even supply us with that much RAM. Relax, your 512MB is just fine.) What the greater precision means to you, though, is that instead of fitting two people through the gate, it can now also fit one big fat guy.

Keep in mind, though, that nothing ever scales linearly with computers. While it's theoretically possible for instructions to combine when they're sent through the processor, it's worth noting that there's time that needs to be spent combining then decombining those instructions to begin with.

Here's the catch: existing programs by and large only need the bike-sized gate (that's 32-bit for those getting slightly confused by the analogy). They only use it because it's all that's ever been. Windows XP and its predecessors through 95 were all 32-bit operating systems, and the applications written for them were only 32-bit. And though there's a 64-bit version of Windows XP that allows programs to use that wider gate, it's a kludge; the operating system is still largely 32-bit and has serious compatibility problems across the board. It sees minimal support from hardware and software vendors alike, and is borderline worthless to the average user.

64-bit processors have been on the market for a few years now, with AMD pioneering them on the desktop with the Athlon 64.

Here are the processors that are able to run in 64-bit mode:

AMD Athlon 64
AMD Mobile Athlon 64
AMD Turion 64
AMD Sempron (Only some; varies between systems and is generally rarely 64-bit capable.)
Intel Pentium 4 6xx Series and Higher
Assume any desktop processor in one of those big hulking desktop replacement systems is 64-bit (unless it's a Pentium 4 5xx series).

DUAL CORE

Dual core sounds flashy. Sounds huge. What it basically amounts to is having two processors in one. The trick is that they both use the same gate and address the same memory. Processors like the Core Duo are also substantially more complex, incorporating interesting technologies that make it less two separate processors and more a multi-threaded processor.

Okay, so what the heck does multi-threaded mean?

Basically, programs are a series of instructions that run single file through your processor, in what's called a thread. But if a processor has multiple cores, that means it can process multiple threads simultaneously.

There's a catch to this, too, though. Most applications, at least on a consumer level, aren't written to run in multiple threads. So while a dual core processor can smooth your computing experience out by running two different programs simultaneously instead of bogging up a single core by having to make those programs take turns going through, it doesn't offer much to speed up existing programs.

That said, with the advent of dual core on the desktop and now the Core Duo in notebooks, more and more programs are being programmed/patched to take advantage of multi-threading. Quake IV, for example, sees a notable performance increase on dual core processors. And many professional grade programs, particularly multimedia programs, enjoy performance benefits from having multiple cores. Video rendering, for example, can be substantially sped up on a dual core processor.

Dual core processors and parallelism (running threads simultaneously instead of sequentially) are the big thing for chip manufacturers right now since they've basically hit a wall with clock speeds and heat envelopes, and they're virtually all that's on the map for mainstream processors from either vendor in the future.

Here are the dual core processors available:

Intel Core Duo
What? That's it? Yeah, barring Athlon 64 X2s and Pentium D XEs making it into hulking desktop replacement systems, that's it for now.

As a sidenote, what's worth mentioning is that most Intel Pentium 4 processors produced these days have a feature called "Hyper-Threading" which basically emulates having two cores on one die. Note, however, that it EMULATES. It doesn't actually have two cores, and because of this, performance benefits are modest at best. Hyper-Threading tends to smooth out your computing experience more than authentically improve performance, and in some cases (often gaming) has been known to have a small impact on performance. Because of its questionable utility, Hyper-Threading can be disabled.

WINDOWS VISTA

Most people are concerned about compatibility with Windows Vista and I don't blame them. This is rumor control, here are the facts:

Microsoft is producing multiple versions of Windows Vista, and it's my understanding that the lower class ones will be 32-bit compatible. That's really the only way I can describe 32-bit versions, too: "lower class." While not entirely accurate - these will be fully-featured operating systems - word on the street is these versions will be missing some small features that the 64-bit versions will have. These are features I suspect most common users won't ever see or care about, similar to the difference between Windows XP Home and XP Professional.

That said, while Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition was a miserable kludge, Windows Vista will be the authentic 64-bit McCoy.

This has, in my estimation, a major impact on computing. Why? Because while the vast majority of notebook users are still running 32-bit processors (read: we all went out and bought Pentium Ms because they are the awesome), desktops have dominated the market until only recently, and a large majority of desktops sold in the past couple of years have had 64-bit processors. More than that, the steadily increasing encroachment of AMD Turion 64 on the notebook market creates a substantial number of 64-bit capable notebook users as well.

Because of the substantial number of users that will have 64-bit capable systems running 64-bit versions of Windows Vista (which you can be certain will be packed into capable computers upon release), it's safe to say that more software vendors will start taking advantage of a ready and available platform. And while this is likely to be a gradual change, I suspect that Windows Vista is going to be the gunshot that starts the race moving.

Keep in mind this is speculation, but I think the case is there.

(continued below)

 

[funshine]

But what do dual core processors mean to Windows Vista? Unfortunately, not a whole lot more than Windows XP. While it's safe to assume Windows Vista will be better optimized to take advantage of multiple cores, this isn't a huge change.

Between dual core and 64-bit, it is in my estimation that 64-bit will be more relevant to Windows Vista, but please note that your existing 32-bit processor will certainly run it just fine, just not the same version 64-bit users will be running. Indeed, the 64-bit users may not see real benefits for a while, still. Like I said before, this is largely speculation. The ultimate point, however, is that a substantial 64-bit capable user base will be there, and software vendors love having a guaranteed platform.

WHEN CAN I GET BOTH IN MY NOTEBOOK?

Soon. Very soon, in fact. AMD has announced the Turion 64 X2 will be available in the second quarter of 2006 - that's mighty close, isn't it?

Unfortunately, Intel has pushed the next Core Duo - utilizing the codenamed Merom core - until at least September of this year. Worse still, while before 64-bit capability was pretty much pronounced and guaranteed, Intel has become less consistent with announcing it in Merom. While I would expect it, I can't 100% guarantee it, so don't put all your eggs in that basket.

Either way, the Turion 64 X2 will be available in not too long, and hopefully it will offer decent battery life and won't suffer early production problems the same way the Turion 64 did.

How will the Turion 64 X2 compare to existing Core Duos? Unless AMD can optimize their power consumption the way Intel did with the Core Duo, it's pretty much going to look like this: you want dual core and 64-bit, you buy a Turion 64 X2. You want dual core and battery life, you buy a Core Duo.

BUT WHAT IF I NEED TO BUY A NOTEBOOK RIGHT NOW?

Then I don't envy you.

Honestly, and I'm sure I'm going to take some heat for saying this: it's not worth buying a Pentium M notebook anymore. For casual computing, of course, even going all the way down to Celeron M and Sempron has been alright, but this article isn't really for the family members that just want to get on Yahoo! or PopCap and check their e-mail. You're planning to actually push your system.

If you want battery life, you're buying a Centrino Duo notebook, and only in extenuating circumstances (i.e. the ultraportables) do you get a Pentium M. If you want dual core, you're buying a Centrino Duo.

But if you're concerned with 64-bit processing, you're buying a Turion 64 or Athlon 64 notebook.

Personally? I think you need one or the other. So the big question is: which one do you pick?

Dual core offers immediate benefits. Multi-threaded software exists in limited numbers, but dual core processing also smooths out existing software and can make your computer feel a bit snappier.

64-bit processing is still a bit of an unknown. The foundation exists for it, but the software isn't there. Yet. And the thing is, that while multi-threading can't really obsolete single-threading (you can always just sequence the instructions into a single thread), 64-bit CAN obsolete 32-bit processing.

If I had to make an ultimate suggestion, I would suggest a 64-bit capable notebook, but note that it's a tenuous suggestion, and your needs may differ.

CONCLUSION

As you can see, this turns out to be a fairly complicated subject. Desktop users have it on easy street, but those of us in the notebook forum have a hard choice ahead of us. I think the important question to ask yourself at this juncture is:

"How long am I planning to use this notebook?"

If it's more than two years, I'd suggest a 64-bit capable notebook. If not, you'll be refreshing your notebook before 64-bit computing becomes a "yes" instead of a "maybe" and you'll be able to have both.

What's also important to keep in mind is that being on a 32-bit system isn't necessarily going to leave you out of luck. The change isn't going to be an overnight one, it's going to be a fairly gradual one. You WILL get some longevity out of it, it's just that some newer programs won't run on it. It's going to depend on what you need to run.

Again, 64-bit computing is inevitable, but the change will be gradual, so don't let this article totally put the fear of God in you. Likewise, dual core offers immediate benefits, and it IS the future (look at either chip manufacturer's roadmaps), but in terms of actually running programs I don't foresee it obsoleting single core, and single core processors will continue to be produced for some time (see: Intel's Celeron plans, AMD's Sempron plans).

Either way, with these two big transitions in the computing industry, it's a very exciting time to be an enthusiast, and in a few months AMD is going to help clear this headache, with Intel following suit. If you can wait, do so. Otherwise, I hope this article has helped you make an informed decision on your next computing purchase.

Because how long does any one of us really keep a computer before we go out and buy something new and shiny anyhow? 😉

 

[FDoRoML]

Beware the VAIO. I have two students who got one... one began typing its own random text at its own random times... the other just kept crashing. They both ended up having to get a new one (I think they went IBM or Dell or something like that). I'm a big proponent of Sony's electronics, but I have heard nothing but bad things from VAIO owners (as far as function is concerned--- they are quite good looking!).

If you're currently a student, you may have the ability to get a laptop through your school at a huge discount (for example, we have a 20% off deal with IBM-- or whetever the heck they're called now-- and I think like a 10-15% deal with Dell). Of course, I couldn't get this because I'm considered an "employee" and personal use computers only have like a 5% discount! What I did for my last laptop purchase was to search online for current Dell coupons and build my own laptop with that coupon (often it's something crazy like $750+ off if you spend 2k... which makes it much closer to 1k after the discount!). I got a system that priced out at 3800 for 1800 last year. If you want more info on how to do that, just PM me.

The dual core centrino is nice... fast, efficient, etc. If you don't run hard-core graphics programs and things like Matlab all at the same time, you would be fine with your Pentium M, too. Last time I priced a Dell with about the same specs as you listed for the VAIO, with the coupon I found, it came out to about $1400 and it was only a 4lb unit, so nice and portable... plus widescreen high res.

Oh, hey, are you enrolled in med school? Some have good programs for laptops, some don't. I know the VAIO is really pretty, and has good specs on paper, but just be careful. I was actually pretty surprised that they were so unreliable. IMO, it is not worth paying more for something that is more likely to break down on you. I still think the best workhorse is the Thinkpad, although they are also pricey. I went Dell b/c I've had pretty good luck with them and you can't beat those special discounts!!

Hope some of this helps. Let me know if you need more info. BTW-- the two students were not abusive to their VAIOs. In fact, one was downright gentle, so who knows what was wrong.

FD

 

[funshine]

Beware the VAIO. I have two students who got one... one began typing its own random text at its own random times... the other just kept crashing. They both ended up having to get a new one (I think they went IBM or Dell or something like that). I'm a big proponent of Sony's electronics, but I have heard nothing but bad things from VAIO owners (as far as function is concerned--- they are quite good looking!).

If you're currently a student, you may have the ability to get a laptop through your school at a huge discount (for example, we have a 20% off deal with IBM-- or whetever the heck they're called now-- and I think like a 10-15% deal with Dell). Of course, I couldn't get this because I'm considered an "employee" and personal use computers only have like a 5% discount! What I did for my last laptop purchase was to search online for current Dell coupons and build my own laptop with that coupon (often it's something crazy like $750+ off if you spend 2k... which makes it much closer to 1k after the discount!). I got a system that priced out at 3800 for 1800 last year. If you want more info on how to do that, just PM me.

The dual core centrino is nice... fast, efficient, etc. If you don't run hard-core graphics programs and things like Matlab all at the same time, you would be fine with your Pentium M, too. Last time I priced a Dell with about the same specs as you listed for the VAIO, with the coupon I found, it came out to about $1400 and it was only a 4lb unit, so nice and portable... plus widescreen high res.

Oh, hey, are you enrolled in med school? Some have good programs for laptops, some don't. I know the VAIO is really pretty, and has good specs on paper, but just be careful. I was actually pretty surprised that they were so unreliable. IMO, it is not worth paying more for something that is more likely to break down on you. I still think the best workhorse is the Thinkpad, although they are also pricey. I went Dell b/c I've had pretty good luck with them and you can't beat those special discounts!!

Hope some of this helps. Let me know if you need more info. BTW-- the two students were not abusive to their VAIOs. In fact, one was downright gentle, so who knows what was wrong.

FD

thanks for the heads up on VAIO. Yes, I've heard about those special Dell discounts and how you can build your own computer and what not, but I'm really resistant to the idea of "building" my own. I know it's not that hard b/c you just select what you want online and they build it for you (right?) but I'm just afraid I'll screw up and select incompatible parts or forget something crucial. And not to knock on dell b/c I've had no experience with it myself, but a lot of people on here have said negative things about it, so I'm going to stay away.

Anyway, I had no problems with my Thinkpad for 5 years...no crashes or anything, so maybe I should stick with it. I'm now considering the Lenovo Thinkpad T60 (~$1600, RAM 512 MB, 3 yrs warranty, 5.3 lbs) or the Lenovo 3000 V100 (~$1700, RAM 1024 MB, 4.4 lbs).

 

[synapse lapse]

I got a sony vaio t series I have had since August. It has caused me no problems and is way better than my old ibook. I highly recommend them, though it is a bit on the pricey side. IBM makes good computers as well, and toshiba I feel are ok. I don't like dell, compaw, or hp. Of course everyone has an opinion, I read a lot of reviews on all websites before deciding on my computer, though I only had a few options in the mini notebook market. It was really only between this and a lifebook.

 

[lord_jeebus]

between this and a lifebook.

I have a Fujitsu lifebook and I love it. If you're considering Sony you should look into Fujitsu as well. For instance the S7000 series is 4.5 lbs and has a 14.1" screen. I have a P7010D and it's really small but the battery lasts forever.

 

[tkim]

Friend's VAIO died because of a poor circuitboard design: they placed the powerjack directly on the motherboard and used only the *solder* points to anchor the jack to the board. Arguably, multiple plugging and unplugging the powercord is what all laptops are guaranteed to face over its lifetime, making this design not well though out.

Also, the second RAM connector on his VAIO had a poor solder trace, leaving only one working socket.

Sony's have nice designs but their build quality leaves something to be desired.

I had a Thinkpad that lasted a long time before the motherboard simply up and quit, and being on school, I had to make a fast cheap purchase so I got a low-end Toshiba that's held up reasonably well. Thinkpad's are bulletproof, though they are usually a tad behind in weight and speed. But I think it's a good tradeoff.

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/s...=A&met=exbaAFwww.befree.&re=www.fatwallet.com

 

[silas2642]

Friend's VAIO died because of a poor circuitboard design: they placed the powerjack directly on the motherboard and used only the *solder* points to anchor the jack to the board. Arguably, multiple plugging and unplugging the powercord is what all laptops are guaranteed to face over its lifetime, making this design not well though out.

Also, the second RAM connector on his VAIO had a poor solder trace, leaving only one working socket.

Sony's have nice designs but their build quality leaves something to be desired.

I had a Thinkpad that lasted a long time before the motherboard simply up and quit, and being on school, I had to make a fast cheap purchase so I got a low-end Toshiba that's held up reasonably well. Thinkpad's are bulletproof, though they are usually a tad behind in weight and speed. But I think it's a good tradeoff.

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/s...=A&met=exbaAFwww.befree.&re=www.fatwallet.com

Don't get a Vaio. As we speak I am typing from one now and it is a piece of crap. Tomorrow I am bringing it in for repair for the FOURTH time in six months. The damn thing won't stay on and it won't play cds/dvds. I hate this machine. Oh, and if you do go against my advice and get one, then make sure you spring for the the extra two hundred bucks and get the service plan. Otherwise, you'll be hurtin' for certain.

As for me, if another laptop is in my near future, it's going to be a thinkpad. They're kind of big and not as attractive, but they're indestructable and God, do they work.

 

[MossPoh]

Vaios are generally pretty but overpriced for what you get. The build yourself online thing won't let you put incompatible parts...

 

[FDoRoML]

Just another quick note... I know everyone has an opinion on brand of computer and it's often based on one or two personal experiences. I'll just mention what consumer reports says regarding laptops (last I checked-- last year). These are based on reliability vs price:

1. Dell (beats out IBM only because of price being lower)
2. IBM/Lenovo

If you have the cash, go for the Lenovo... more reliable and pretty much bulletproof. If you're affiliated with an undergrad institution, many have great deals with IBM for student purchases. I think some places allow med students to be eligible, too.

 

[autoimmunity]

I have a Sony VAIO at home. I've been using that beast for the past six years! I guess it's okay, except for the fact that half of my HD fried early on in its life! I can only store 2 gigs worth of stuff (at best) which means it's really an overpriced word processor. I am looking forward to getting a new laptop and sending my current one to the Smithsonian.

EDIT: BTW I am not getting another VAIO. If you do go with VAIO, I would take the advice of others and spring for a service plan.

 

[Labslave]

I know that most of the advice you're going to get here is based on anecdotal evidence, but I have just never heard anything actually GOOD about Sony laptops. I have three friends who purchased VAIOs last year, and all of them have problems with their laptops overheating. All of them. They complain about them all the time.

I, too, am in the market for a new laptop, and I steered clear of Sony's computer products because of my friends' experience. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[Mixtli]

I just bought a Turion 64 from Compaq online (v5000Z). With max upgrades (RAM, CPU, Harddrive, DVD+/- drive, Networking, Bluetooth, screen resolution, graphics card, wireless) it cost me around $1000 (after $200 rebates+promotions). It's hella thin (1.38'') compared to other brands such as Dell that are 1.56'' thin. Sony computers are known to be ridiculously overpriced, and nobody I know now has ever recommended me to buy a Sony Viao. IBMs just look ugly, not too user-friendly.

 

[RDickerson]

Not a med student here...yet, but I did own my own computer business for a couple of years, so I may be able to help you out.

I can honestly say this, in my years working as a tech, I have NEVER repaired a sony vaio. This could honestly be absolutely by chance, however 75% of the machines (laptops) I have done work on have all been dell. You had already said you didn't want one of them though, so no worries on that.

The best "laptop" as far as performance wise I have seen has to be the toshiba, with the vaio in a close second. HP/Compaq brings up third, fujitsu fourth, and dell being dead last.

When you choose your laptop I would also go with the new AMD processors, IMO, AMD has better output speed over longer time.

With all of that said, that is scrictly my opinion regarding MICROSOFT format computers. I don't know why you are dismissing the mac, they make an excellent, lightweight machine in the new powermacs. That new laptop they just came out with is amazing as well. Plus with the new microsoft office products being made on mac, you can't go wrong.

Once again those are my opinions - feel free to PM me if you need anything else!

 

[ND2005]

With all of that said, that is scrictly my opinion regarding MICROSOFT format computers. I don't know why you are dismissing the mac, they make an excellent, lightweight machine in the new powermacs. That new laptop they just came out with is amazing as well. Plus with the new microsoft office products being made on mac, you can't go wrong.

Once again those are my opinions - feel free to PM me if you need anything else!

Also...Apple just came out with a new promo. Buy a Mac at a student discount, get a free ipod nano.

 

[bewitched1081]

ive been using a vaio for almost a year now. the only problems i have are:
1) if i hibernate and do not shut down, then eventually my computer will act up until i shut it down

2) my norton antivirus has refused to update in the past 2 months. that might just be a software/virus issue. i hope it's not a virus🙁

3) the battery life is short

i bought a vaio cause i kicked myself in the rear the last time i bought a computer and didnt get a sony screen. sony makes the best computer screens. i like to look at pretty things so that was really important to me. it was worth the extra 100-200 dollars to get the computer screen. also, they do have a nice exterior design.

the overheating issue is not really a problem for me. the only times that it gets too hot is if i place it on an insulating material, such as my mattress. also, if it overheats, you can just move it 12 inches over on the table. otherwise, i dont know what people are doing to make their laptops so hot.

ibm makes computers that will probably last forever.

to get a GOOD DEAL:
1) find the computer that you want
2) search all major websites for deals on that computer (ie best buy, circuit city, fry's)
3) see what's being offered now and what has been offered within the last one or two months. often times, best buy or other companies will offer rebates for a limited time and sony will also have a rebate for a certain product. i got 250 in rebates for my comp.
4) if you see a good deal that has been offered in the past, wait until that deal comes up again. usually rebates come and go periodically.
5) buy your computer at BEST BUY and get their performance service plan. they are the only company that offers in house servicing, which means that you dont have to ship your computer anywhere to have it serviced. you just have to take it into their store.
6) if you see a good deal at another store, go to best buy and ask for their MANAGER. tell him/her about the deal. keep the website handy so that they can also look it up and see it. usually, they will match the deal. if the manager doesnt give you what you want, then go to another best buy and talk to the manager there.

 

[funshine]

Friend's VAIO died because of a poor circuitboard design: they placed the powerjack directly on the motherboard and used only the *solder* points to anchor the jack to the board. Arguably, multiple plugging and unplugging the powercord is what all laptops are guaranteed to face over its lifetime, making this design not well though out.

Also, the second RAM connector on his VAIO had a poor solder trace, leaving only one working socket.

Sony's have nice designs but their build quality leaves something to be desired.

I had a Thinkpad that lasted a long time before the motherboard simply up and quit, and being on school, I had to make a fast cheap purchase so I got a low-end Toshiba that's held up reasonably well. Thinkpad's are bulletproof, though they are usually a tad behind in weight and speed. But I think it's a good tradeoff.

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/s...=A&met=exbaAFwww.befree.&re=www.fatwallet.com

tkim, thanks for the link! I think this decides it for me. I can get a T60 for $1149 after the rebate, which is a pretty sweet deal!

Btw, FDoRo, I actually checked out the Dells too because the Dell Latitude D620 is one of the computers my school offers at a "special rate" of ~$1700...well it turns out I can get a Latitude D620 straight from Dell with almost all the same specifications for ~$1100...my school's deal includes all the Microsoft software and other programs I need plus on-campus tech support all 4 years, which is convenient, but I wonder if it's worth the extra $600.

anyway, thanks for all your help! sorry to all you mac/apple lovers, but I don't think I could adjust to another operating system. My lab used apple computers and they always felt strange, even after 4 years of using them.

 

[premedgeek]

My faithful Thinkpad of 5 years looks and sounds like it might be dying soon, so I'm on the lookout for a new laptop, preferably one of those attractive Sony VAIOs🙂. Sony VAIO owners, tell me which one you got and whether it's serving you well!

I also have a few questions:

Is getting a laptop with the new Intel Centrino Duo Technology (the 64 bit Dual Core processor) really worth the extra money? This article here explains the difference in the new technology, and why it's important (namely compatibility with the new Windows Vista and future programs) but I wonder if I'll really need it for the purposes of med school. I'm not a gamer so I really only need it for school.

So, I'm thinking about the Sony VAIO SZ Series VGN-SZ220/B for $1,849.99 at Best Buy (see specs below). It's pricey but the reviews have been wonderful and it's lightweight (4 lbs). My rationale is, I'm already taking out 150K in loans so what's an extra $800 for a nice laptop, right? Plus, I'm going to use it for 4-8 years, so I might as well splurge. On the flip side, I wonder if such cutting-edge fanciness will go totally unappreciated by a computer-****** like me. I'm not really interested in playing around with my new laptop, no matter how cool it is.

I said I was leaning towards the SONY VAIO, but I'm open to other suggestions. Just no tablets, Macs, or Dells. I'm also on the lookout for a nice, light toshiba, so if anyone has one, let me know. Thanks for your help!

Sony VAIO SZ Series VGN-SZ220/B
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Processor T2400 CPU, 1GB (2x512MB) RAM, 120GB Hard Drive, Dual Layer DVD Burner, nVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Hybrid Graphics, 13.3" Widescreen Display, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, 4.07 LB

I haven't read rest of the thread, but just FYI - Intel Centrino Core Duo is NOT 64-bit processor (at least not officially - there have been reports that some chip have 64-bit instructions enabled). Core Duo 2 will be 64-bit.

 

[twtkid]

see the fujitsu thread for info on an excellent brand

 

[TexPre-Med]

I have the exact Vaio that you are contemplating. I've only had it for 2 months, but it hasn't given me any problems. Battery life is short but manageable. I love the features on it though. Crisp screen, fingerprint reader works great, and i love their keyboards. My desktop is a Vaio also and hasn't had a problem for the entire 4 years I've had it. No complaints here at all.

 

[FDoRoML]

Btw, FDoRo, I actually checked out the Dells too because the Dell Latitude D620 is one of the computers my school offers at a "special rate" of ~$1700...well it turns out I can get a Latitude D620 straight from Dell with almost all the same specifications for ~$1100...my school's deal includes all the Microsoft software and other programs I need plus on-campus tech support all 4 years, which is convenient, but I wonder if it's worth the extra $600.

Yeah, my school is offering the same thing. It's nice to have the software pre-installed but I actually have pretty much all of it now... one reason why I was not going with the school's deal. Depending on what they load, you'd be better off ordering it from an academic discount software center anyway (I never get software through Dell or IBM b/c it's so much cheaper through the other sources). Plus, depending on the school you're going to, they might have a software deal, too. I know the school where I currently work (on the undergrad campus, though, not the med campus) has operating systems for about $50, MATLAB single user license for about the same, and some Adobe and Office stuff cheap, too. I like to have my own copy of software, though, so I usually compare prices (incl shipping) at acedmicsuperstore.com, ccv, sprysoft, and journeyed.

Some have mentioned that the thinkpad is ugly... well, as far as I'm concerned, sure, it's nice to have a good looking computer, but it's far more important for it to be reliable and meet all of your memory/etc requirements. I've known people who have dropped their thinkpads from a really great distance (shoulder level) with no bag for protection... they still ran just fine like nothing ever happened. Tough to argue with that kind of construction.
👍

 

[OMMFan]

As for me, if another laptop is in my near future, it's going to be a thinkpad. They're kind of big and not as attractive, but they're indestructable and God, do they work.

I had an IBM Thinkpad Mini and it is my favorite computer ever. It disappeared under a piece of 8.5" x 11" paper, and I loved the trackpoint mouse.

Mom got a new VAIO for Christmas one year. I used it to work on my resume and it was the slowest thing ever. I would never have known I was the first one to really use it.

Not sure what laptop I'll end up with, but it will absolutely not be a VAIO!

 

[2010WFUdoc]

ive been using a vaio for almost a year now. the only problems i have are:
1) if i hibernate and do not shut down, then eventually my computer will act up until i shut it down

2) my norton antivirus has refused to update in the past 2 months. that might just be a software/virus issue. i hope it's not a virus🙁

3) the battery life is short

i bought a vaio cause i kicked myself in the rear the last time i bought a computer and didnt get a sony screen. sony makes the best computer screens. i like to look at pretty things so that was really important to me. it was worth the extra 100-200 dollars to get the computer screen. also, they do have a nice exterior design.

the overheating issue is not really a problem for me. the only times that it gets too hot is if i place it on an insulating material, such as my mattress. also, if it overheats, you can just move it 12 inches over on the table. otherwise, i dont know what people are doing to make their laptops so hot.

ibm makes computers that will probably last forever.

to get a GOOD DEAL:
1) find the computer that you want
2) search all major websites for deals on that computer (ie best buy, circuit city, fry's)
3) see what's being offered now and what has been offered within the last one or two months. often times, best buy or other companies will offer rebates for a limited time and sony will also have a rebate for a certain product. i got 250 in rebates for my comp.
4) if you see a good deal that has been offered in the past, wait until that deal comes up again. usually rebates come and go periodically.
5) buy your computer at BEST BUY and get their performance service plan. they are the only company that offers in house servicing, which means that you dont have to ship your computer anywhere to have it serviced. you just have to take it into their store.
6) if you see a good deal at another store, go to best buy and ask for their MANAGER. tell him/her about the deal. keep the website handy so that they can also look it up and see it. usually, they will match the deal. if the manager doesnt give you what you want, then go to another best buy and talk to the manager there.

Just an opinion from a Viao owner. I've had my Viao for almost 6 yrs and it has been a great computer. Two problems though, which all Viao's seem to have in common.
1. the overheating is true. If you like to sit it on your lap, it gets VERY hot in about an hour of use. I solved this by buying an inexpensive Targus "cooling pad" which simply raises it to allow air circulation. Or- just use the computer on a solid desktop and it is fine.
2. The battery life is very poor. I was warned about this before I bought the computer, so I was prepared. My cousin solved this by purchasing a spare battery- I just always have my plug ready.

I would recommend buying the extended warranty though- I did have to send mine for repair once about 3 years ago.

Good luck.

 

[TexPre-Med]

I've had the SZ series on my lap for 3 hours without it bothering me. From what I've heard, they've done a lot to fix the heat problem. Battery problem - still applies. Get the extended life batteries if this really bugs you.

 

[synapse lapse]

Just an opinion from a Viao owner. I've had my Viao for almost 6 yrs and it has been a great computer. Two problems though, which all Viao's seem to have in common.
1. the overheating is true. If you like to sit it on your lap, it gets VERY hot in about an hour of use. I solved this by buying an inexpensive Targus "cooling pad" which simply raises it to allow air circulation. Or- just use the computer on a solid desktop and it is fine.
2. The battery life is very poor. I was warned about this before I bought the computer, so I was prepared. My cousin solved this by purchasing a spare battery- I just always have my plug ready.

I would recommend buying the extended warranty though- I did have to send mine for repair once about 3 years ago.

Good luck.

Strange, my laptop barely gets hot at all and my battery lasts the full 5.5 hours claimed while working full time on it running multiple applications. I have had no real problems with it.

 

[tyrosina]

i've also have a vaio (for just over 2 years now, purchased a month before i started med school) which i bought despite being persistently advised against it by everyone i knew at the time.

i wear glasses/contacts, and all i can say is even though i have had one minor problem so far, the trade-offs are significant.

my one problem was that for a day or two last year, my computer refused to power on after being fully charged and plugged in. i let it be and all of a sudden it "woke up" a few days later.

the advantages of the luxurious 16.1" screen, amazing graphics quality, and a handy "magnifying" button built into the keyboard which instantly zooms your monitor in and out, have made my life a LOT more comfortable. i'll never be able to go back to a dinky little 'standard' laptop screen.

the second advantage is that if you have a sony digital camera, the built-in card slot makes downloading pics appreciably simpler. no messy wires, plus with the aforementioned screen vividity your pics look SO much better 😉



...and yet i'm still expecting it to crash sometime soon, just like everyone says it will. i run a hard drive back-up every month as i wait around in anxious anticipation.

 

[bat28]

vios are nice, but expensive. Just an FYI: WAIT UNTIL JULY at the earliest. Intel and AMD are rolling out new processor architectures and are going to have to dump any left over inventory. Both companies have also announced that they are cutting processor prices by 50% (trying to steal market share). So, if you wait until the Core 2 Duo comes out (start shipping in july), you can get a good deal on the core duo's that are out now.

 

[ppisklak]

I have a Sony Vaio (model PCG-something), and it has been wonderful. I take it with me to school, coffee shops, airports, so the low weight is wonderful. I have had it for about 2 years, and have no problems to report.

-Paul