Did'nt know if anyone here has this model, but if so wanted some feedback. Seems like a good unit on paper, with wifi, DVD burning, firewire port for video, and XP Media Center Edition. I am trying to stay with XP, and with everything switching to Vista, XP units are harder to come by new.
Any advice or suggestions would be great.
Thanks!
Sony's are way overpriced IMO for what they come with, unless you find a killer deal. They are nice machines for sure, but you are paying for that Sony badge. I have used a Sony, the ultra small purple ones they made back in the day and while it was nice, it wasn't anything special, except for the size. Think laptop taping. I would recommend a Dell XPS model for power and features. They also have their own support tier specifically for that model. HP and Toshiba also make great laptops. Several manufacturers also offer a downgrade to Win XP as well, but it might cost a little more. Little harder to find, but they do exist. You do not want to spend more than $1500 max on a top of the line laptop as they lose value FAST. Support should be one of the main things you consider. Some companies offer on-site (home) repairs the next day and/or next business day replacement should something happen.
I use a Dell XPS m1210, 12.1" screen and it is PERFECT for school. VERY lightweight, small, etc. Of course, a 12.1" screen also makes it a little harder to do some tasks requiring a big screen, but for my use it rocks, especially traveling around to shows. The XPS 1330 is a 13.3" screen which is also a pretty damn nice upgrade to mine (newer model) and is SUPER lightweight. There is also the XPS 1530 with a 15.3" screen. I have not seen one of these in person, but I imagine it follows the rest of the XPS line, although bigger and heavier. Staples carries some of these so go take a look in person. My biggest mistake buying my first laptop was spending WAY too much and not taking size and weight into consideration, but I had to have the most badass one out there at the time. ;D
Good Luck whatever you decide to do!
Martin, Thanks! The Sony I am looking at was about $1100-$1200 at full retail, and I found a new one for $600 bucks. Agree with you 100% on the Sony brand tax, but this deal seems good. I have a Dell desktop and am happy with it, and I have checked on Dell's current laptops and can get a similar setup on one (not XPS though) for $800-$900 with XP pro, depending on what I get as far as extras.
So, for $600, would you go Sony?
Quote from: DATBRAD on August 22, 2008, 03:35:21 PM
Martin, Thanks! The Sony I am looking at was about $1100-$1200 at full retail, and I found a new one for $600 bucks. Agree with you 100% on the Sony brand tax, but this deal seems good. I have a Dell desktop and am happy with it, and I have checked on Dell's current laptops and can get a similar setup on one (not XPS though) for $800-$900 with XP pro, depending on what I get as far as extras.
So, for $600, would you go Sony?
I would..
Yep. Sure would. That is a great deal.
I got my current XPS m1210 off a local classifieds ad for $450 and it was still under Dell warranty. I replaced the battery before the warranty expired and they sent me the high-capacity version instead.
Quote from: eric.B on August 22, 2008, 03:38:54 PM
Quote from: DATBRAD on August 22, 2008, 03:35:21 PM
Martin, Thanks! The Sony I am looking at was about $1100-$1200 at full retail, and I found a new one for $600 bucks. Agree with you 100% on the Sony brand tax, but this deal seems good. I have a Dell desktop and am happy with it, and I have checked on Dell's current laptops and can get a similar setup on one (not XPS though) for $800-$900 with XP pro, depending on what I get as far as extras.
So, for $600, would you go Sony?
I would..
same.
Ended up passing on the deal I was looking at. I started thinking that after the novelty wore off, I would find the performance limiting. It only had an 80GB HD and only 2 USP ports, and that would suck. I am sticking with Dell. Their outlet has tons of XP laptops with better performance all around, although certainly not as attractive a coffee table prop as the Sony.