(no subject)

[trinityvixen]

I think I've given up the ghost as far as resuscitating my laptop goes. I'm drooling over these VAIOs I've been seeing at J&R, which is a good sign I'm ready to move on.

I'm going to CNet a couple of the models I've found, but $1500 isn't too bad for a VAIO, is it? Or should I go shop in stores rather than online? My discount is probably greater online, using my Columbia sources, but I should probably still shop around and be sure, right?

Also, any of the computer-savvy among my friends have any advice as to where else I might look up user reviews that are reliable for buyers?

FYI: The model I've got my eye on is a Sony VGN-FE550G VAIO (FE series). I also liked a Dell Inspiron 6400, but that seems to be way more expensive...unless the website wasn't factoring in my discount...even so, ouch.

Comments

[hslayer.livejournal.com]

You should SHOP in stores AND online, assuming you have the time. Where you BUY doesn't really matter, since the warranty and all is through the manufacturer. It's worth checking both to see if you can catch a deal or sale or whatever.

Dell often has sales on their site, if you can wait at all. I just got a relatively cheap but nice one from them (to tide me over until I can afford a new tablet) for 25% off.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

I debated buying a temporary computer, too, but it's not worth it. I'll be spending between $1-2K for what I want in a year anyway, I might as well save myself the $6-700 temporary one.

But yes, I intend to go seek out store deals as well. If it's Dell, I'll do it through work as I get an insane discount. Right now, I was just fixated on the Vaio because it was skinnier than most Dell's I've come across (Dell only bothers me so far as design and size, I've nothing to begrudge them otherwise), and very stylish, which was one of the temptations of the MacBook.

But I talked to my brother-in-law about comparing the Vaio and the MacBook (both with the dual core processor which I think is very keen), and he's PC guy but he thinks the Apple holds up better. I'm now stuck back in the PC v Mac debate again, made more tricky by the Boot camp thing. I don't really want to run Windows on a Mac, so it's not like that's the deal--if you make the switch, why not just fucking make it, right?--but having it as an option would be nice.

Feel free to rant here about Macs some more. I need all the help I can get, clearly.

[hslayer.livejournal.com]

When I compare the platforms, I look at both sides of the coin separately: hardware and software.

On hardware, I believe that with a Mac, you'd be paying extra for style. That is to say, you could buy a PC with similar specs for significantly less money. Please note that the Sony Vaio is not the PC I'm talking about here! (They're just as bad in this respect, if not worse.)
Although I admit that priorities differ for different people, if you're looking for a machine to keep for 5-6 years, you're almost certainly better off putting whatever your budget is into increased specs instead of style. A 5-year-old machine is often only useful if it was extremely good when new. So unless you have money to burn and can have it both ways, go for the power over the style.

On software, I know I personally couldn't get over the wider compatibility of the Windows platform. This is probably more of a grey area than the hardware, though. People who use their computers for nothing but the Internet, or maybe some office or media apps, are probably fine with a Mac. I don't know if that's you. Take a look at what is and isn't available for the Mac, and see how that aligns with your needs. Bear in mind that although Boot Camp will allow you to dual-boot to Windows, that's far from ideal. Most people these days aren't too used to needing to reboot just to run a specific program. There are likely to be other issues you haven't thought of, too. You might end up needing to buy TWO anti-virus programs, install two AIM clients, or something similar for whatever else you like to keep running all the time. It's a hassle, wastes disk space, etc, etc.
Which user interface you prefer is ENTIRELY personal preference, but as far as what's behind the user interface, I don't believe there's a clear superiority either way. I know with XP, Windows has cast off the stability issues of its predecessors. I've run machines for months without even a reboot, and have never had to reinstall the OS. I don't know if Mac OS is that good, but it doesn't get much better.

So, to sum up my opinion of Macs in two words...
hardware: bleh
software: meh
Almost makes me wish I were more eloquent.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

What's funny is that if I were to get a desktop to back up my laptop, which I do want some day, I'd be tempted to get one of the iMacs because they're so compact--they're basically a laptop with a stand. Yet I am fairly sure I want a PC notebook. Ideally, it should be the other way around in terms of function--have the desktop PC for the gaming and hard stuff, use the Mac for the travel portability and ease of wireless access, prevention of laptop accidents w/magnetic cord etc etc.

I still don't feel that I'm paying that much more for the Vaio vs. other PCs with similar specs. Maybe a couple of hundred dollars, which isn't little, I grant you, but neither is it bank-breaking at the present time. $200 for something that's lighter, thinner, and has that really awesome screen? That seems fair to me. Besides a few HPs (hisssss) and some Toshiba desktop replacements, I haven't seen anything with the Vaio's amazingly beautiful screen, which is another reason for Vaio lust. It's actually something that the Vaio has over the Mac--the MacBookPro screen looks kinda fuzzy in comparison.

I will still have to see, of course. I need to do my customization on Dell to see what that would cost me, but I'm going to put in a request for quotes to the various places Columbia gets a discount at, see what comes up.

[hslayer.livejournal.com]

My new Dell with a "TrueLife" display looks as good as the Vaio screens. It's just a question of buying (though it sounds worse) "glare" instead of "non-glare". The anti-glare filters blur the display some and reduce color saturation. You can also get similarly thin and light machines from nearly everyone.

I should point out that NO ONE makes very small machines with all the capability of the larger machines, which will work counter to your goal of a machine that will retain its usefulness for 5-6 years.

Getting a desktop later on will help hugely with that, though, as it can be your power machine, while your laptop just extends some capability for travelling. That's basically what I do. Lots of companies also make all-in-ones these days a la the iMacs. Q's Gateway is one example, and I know there are desktop Vaios like that as well. That's a bridge you can cross when you come to it, though.

For the laptop, if the Vaio has specs and a price that are suitable for you, then by all means, go for it. But I'd be really surprised if you couldn't find a comparable (in ALL respects) Dell Inspiron or (less likely) Toshiba Portege for less money. Then again, Sony is positioning themselves as a "premium" brand (so says their own execs) so they may have features no one else does.

[jlc.livejournal.com]

I strongly advise not getting a VAIO; they tend to be overpriced and hardly the most resilient systems out there.

I have two Dell laptops, mostly from mooching off of my dad's massive discounts through them. They've held up pretty well. Most people I know with VAIOs end up regretting purchasing them because of the crazy markup just to have Sony's name.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

Most people I know with VAIOs end up regretting purchasing them because of the crazy markup just to have Sony's name.

As opposed to Macs where you pay upwards of $500 more for the same specs as you'd find on a PC of just about any brand? Really, with Vaio and Mac, I think I've found two really expensive yet also stylish systems that are alike for all but OS, and I'm still not wowed by anything in Tiger that XP can't do just as well. I'm still not sure what programs I'm meant to be using on Tiger that should be done better for having it rather than a PC, which is probably a sign I don't need a mac.

As for the hardiness of the thing, Carrie's Vaio seems to have held up well, and there's a rumor that another friend of ours got his hit by the subway and it still works. If you know differently, by all means, anecdote me.

[jlc.livejournal.com]

As opposed to Macs where you pay upwards of $500 more for the same specs as you'd find on a PC of just about any brand?
And that's why you shouldn't buy a Mac unless you're a die-hard for very specific applications :)

another friend of ours got his hit by the subway and it still works
I was impressed by that, too :)

In my experience with VAIOs, the biggest problem is optical drive failure. I have a friend who was a die-hard VAIO fan, but has gone through more laser readers for the things than I can imagine putting up with. She didn't mind, though, since replacing them isn't all that hard if you've ever played with electronics. I wondered why she kept buying the things. Admittedly, her VAIO laptop did not have the problems that the VAIO desktop did--that thing overheated like a bitch, suffered from more than its share of hard-drive eating head crashes, and was a pain to work with.

Anyway, my standards for computer purchase are likely different than yours--I generally don't see the point in paying more for sleek looking systems, although I understand the attraction. Get what you like.

[bigscary.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend a Vaio ONLY if you REQUIRE the whole ultra-light thing, and are willing to pay a large premium for it.

I don't like Dells, and would suggest one of the other PC biggies (Compaq makes a pretty good laptop these days, and Toshiba always has) if you're going to go that way.

I would continue to suggest a Mac, though.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

Compaq was a shitty brand for desktops, and I know Michelle had troubles with her laptop, both in it plain not working and the customer service people not being a big help. Now that they're merged with HP, which has become my enemy, I'll be avoiding them for life.

Toshiba's another story, though I haven't liked the look or size of any of theirs I've seen (by size, I mean the height). Dell is the same way. Dell laptops are, well, kinda ugly, and they're very thick, which is irritating to my wrists when I'm typing. The reason I've seized on the Vaio is that it's slim, slimmest of any I've seen that is not the MacBookPro or a 12" screen. Wrist comfort is something I'm willing to pay for, and Carrie has had no trouble with hers, so I assume that's a sign that I'll be getting quality for the expense.

And you and Jamie are harping on about the Macs while saying the Vaio is expensive? In what universe is the Vaio of comparable specs more expensive? Bizarro world! I am also suspecting influence toward macs from people who wish to live out vicarious dreams of Macs through me :) Plus, I think I like the screen on the VAIO better. The one on the MacBook Pro's I've seen isn't as shiny as the VAIO ones...

[jlc.livejournal.com]

Compaq was a shitty brand for desktops, and I know Michelle had troubles with her laptop, both in it plain not working and the customer service people not being a big help. Now that they're merged with HP, which has become my enemy, I'll be avoiding them for life.
Stay away from Compaq and HP. I worked for them and I still say stay away. Even the people who make these systems use different ones at home, despite absurd employee discounts. That says something :)

The only nice thing I have to say about Toshiba is that sky had their customer service people bend over backwards to help him when he was having troubles with his satelite laptop. But that was a couple of years ago and not necessarily indicative of the company now.

As far as wrist comfort is concerned, no laptop will be good for you. Do yourself a favor and regardless of what laptop you have, get a good keyboard--folding, real, whatever--that you can hook up to it and type with. It's something extra to lug around but it, like a real mouse, is very very nice to have around.

And you and Jamie are harping on about the Macs while saying the Vaio is expensive?
Hey now, I think you're confusing me with somebody else :) Macs are great for some things, and about the only reason I've ever wanted one is because Aqua is OMGPRETTY. Of course, that isn't worth the price, especially if OSX is running on wintel hardware anyway.

[hslayer.livejournal.com]

Which Vaio are you looking at? From what you're saying, I'm guessing it's the SZ or the FJ...

The SZ is a monster. I don't know of any other machine with such powerful features in such a small form factor. I also don't know many others that cost that much, but if it's in your budget, a Core Duo and a GeForce Go7400 will serve you well (in spite of the shared video RAM).

The FJ doesn't impress me, for most of the reasons already stated, especially when compared with the Dell XPS M140. I can vouch for that Dell being pretty and thin, as it's physically identical to my new Inspiron 630m. Jeez, "pretty and thin" - are we talking computers or women? Never mind.

Dell's "TrueLife" screens are as nice as Sony's "XBRITE" (neither company makes their own screens anyway). All they do is leave off the anti-glare coating, which blurs a little and reduces contrast and saturation. Just don't sit with a light behind you.

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

The one I was looking at was the FE series, actually. The FS series doesn't have the dual-core, I didn't think. The FE series is sorta like the FS series with a camera and the new processor. It's also a little more expensive (surprise surprise).

What's this about shared video memory? Will that impede or affect my game playing and/or multimedia multitasking?

So the reason for the shiny screen is the lack of anti-glare. I suppose I should play with Carrie's to see how bad that is when working with lights behind.

[hslayer.livejournal.com]

Ah, you did only mean "thin" regarding the size. If it's your only machine, it probably makes sense to have the larger screen. (That or also buy a monitor to hook it up to when you're home.)

Shared video memory is only likely to be an issue for gaming. The key issue when it's shared is that it's slower than dedicated. Only 3D needs that much memory bandwidth, so you won't notice it for video playback or other media functions. It's kind of a bummer that they hamstring such a powerful graphics chip that way, though.

Something more powerful (though admittedly perhaps less pretty) for a similar price would be the Acer TravelMate 8200. (Check the specs on us.acer.com and Google for prices, as Acer doesn't sell direct.) I will admit that this Vaio isn't bad, but some of its dated/proprietary stuff would annoy me. The fact that it's Fast Ethernet instead of Gigabit probably wouldn't bug anyone but me, but the fact that its only memory card slot is (Sony's own) MemoryStick would. The maximum preconfigured version on their site has 1GB of RAM, and upping it to 2GB is hella expensive (that Acer comes with 2GB).

I just know that if it were me, comparing the specs of these two systems, it'd be a no-brainer. Unless I'm REALLY tired and overlooking something, the Acer is equal or better in every single spec (sometimes MUCH better) for the same price. I haven't even checked anyone else's sites versus this specific Vaio yet...

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's funny you mention the Acer. I was looking at its stuff over on CNet. Turns out that it compares favorably to the Vaio and one version of the Dell laptop I liked when I was on Dell's website. The only thing that gave me pause were the warnings about Acer customer service having limited hours, which is a big alarm for me. If it's just that they're 9-to-5, I can probably deal. If it's that they are really anal about when and for what you can call and give you the run around, it's less okay because I've come to realize how important good tech support can be after the debacle with my last two latops.

Another problem is where I can get the Acer from. Ideally, I'd love to rape the discount I get through Columbia. That's why the Dell E1505 was starting to look really good today--they had a $750 coupon for it and I got $150 off for getting a specific service plan plus my discount through work. The same argument also works in favor of a MacBook Pro, but they're not selling me on these just yet. The MacBook Pro is the inbetween stage that will lead to something truly awesome (or, 180 flipside, truly awful) but isn't perfect itself yet.