Topic: Looking at a VAIO N Series VGN-N130G Notebook Computer *NEED ADVICE*

[datbrad]

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!

[mmedley.]

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. 

Good Luck whatever you decide to do!

[datbrad]

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?

[eric.B]

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..

[mmedley.]

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.

[sygdwm]

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.

[datbrad]

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.