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Laptop advice

J

juggalomike

Member
After my last post i decided to go on the cheaper end of a the laptop area spending somewhere around $1000 as compared to the $2000 i was originally planning on spending. My question now is what is a good brand to look into? At the moment i am considering the Sony Vaio, mainly the FW series (http://www.sonystyle.com/webap...d=8198552921665838150) is actually the exact model. The problem is i have heard terrible stories about Sony's support. Can anyone give me some input as to whether or not this would be a solid choice? if not which brand should i consider? Also for various reasons i would like to steer clear of a mac. Any input is appreciated, thanks.
 
This is the latest thread I have seen that relates to Sony Vaio support. I suppose you could do worse. 🙂

Sony
 
Originally posted by: juggalomike
Any input is appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
Hrm... Well...

There are lots of considerations, when you buy a portable computer. Unless you feel like answering 101 questions, there's no way to judge whether or not a Sony is for you.

I'm typing this on a lowly Asus Eee PC via Linux Mint 7. Who's to say this wouldn't work out better for you?

For instance, a $250 Asus Netbook and a $750 Toshiba Notebook might be preferable to a $1000 Sony!

That's my current 'laptop' solution, and it's working out great! 😀

Since you said you would appreciate "any input"...

You can get hella nice machine for 1000 bones! The sweet spot has always been $700-$800. That's where most ppl live, and marketers know that... sooo, $1000 will allow you to get a really nice machine.

I own a LOT of Sony products. All of my televisions are Sonys. Dittos for my alarm clock, boom box, toothbrush... whatever. Put another way, I have nothing against Sony, but I don't care for their computers - for various reasons - same as you and Macs, I suppose. Basically, they leave me limp - not macho or sexy enough for me, e.g. too bland and sterile!

If I was looking for a $1000 portable, I'd be looking at HP lappys. HP has some really impressive (macho and sexy) models in that price range! I see a lot of professionals using them - businessmen in $1000 suits at the airport - A/V support at convention hall lectures, et cetera. I'm always checking out what 'the pros' use, and they mostly run high-end HPs. I don't know anyone that uses a Sony for anything...

Beware of polished turds!!!

I've noticed a disturbing trend lately (with portables). Manufacturers are making them cheaper, lighter, thinner, and so forth, to the point that portables are becoming brittle. Certain models are breaking, just sitting there on the shelf. You know... metal screws in plastic stand-offs, and 'pop-goes-the-weasel'. They ALL look great on the outside, but we're starting to see a lot of crap on the inside...

In that price range, make sure you get something with a metal chassis, and preferably a metal lid.

Pay CLOSE attention to what's inside - the internal construction! That's my "advice" to you... 😉
 
If you are worried about support, Asus, Acer, MSI...etc are out and you will have better luck with major players like Sony, HP, and IBM/Lenovo.

I myself is considering a Sony Vaio SR. Yeah I know every one of those "pro" are using HP or IBM, and I used IBM for years for my job as a consultant. While I love the ruggedness of thinkpad's, I am not too high on the plain look. But of course, lots of those kinda consideration is personal. And just because all business people use IBM/HP, it doesn't mean they are the best for you. It just mean companies get good volumn deal on them, and those laptop are good for what business people need, like travel, standard business applications, standard hardware for those companies' IT support, which doesn't necessary translate to your need.

My criteria for laptop is first, spec. I want a light laptop with good onboard graphic and good battery. That narrowed my choice considerably. Then I pick the one with the look I like, from a manufacture with enough experience and reputation on the line to not make piece of junk. My choices were down to HP and Sony, and I just prefer Sony's look as well as Sony SR's ATI 4570 graphic card.

So I guess my advise to you is know what you need/want and make the choice that's best for you.
 
I'm a Thinkpad fan. Lenovo Thinkpads are great! I love mine, however I also love Apple's lineup right now... Moot point since I don't have any money.

$.02
 
VinDSL, thanks alot for the post, i actualy hadn't spent alot of time looking at HP prior to your post, however i am going to look over their options again before purchasing.

rchiu, the Video card is actualy one of the main reasons i am interested in the vaio, Its a solid card for the price.
 
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