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Sony Vaio Laptop
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Posted by: GarySargent

Anyone got a Sony Vaio laptop? I'm trying to convince myself I should buy one immediately! :)

I like the idea of integrated memory card reader - though can they read normal memory cards used in digital cameras, or only Magic Gate MP3 ones?

Posted by: avaloncourt

I've read quite a few reviews that put them in the way overpriced and poorly designed category. I originally considered one but after reading all of the bad press I went with a Dell Inspiron 8200.

Posted by: pr1uk

quote:
Originally posted by GarySargent
Anyone got a Sony Vaio laptop? I'm trying to convince myself I should buy one immediately! :)

I like the idea of integrated memory card reader - though can they read normal memory cards used in digital cameras, or only Magic Gate MP3 ones?

if its just for the memory card reader well i use a PCMCIA card reader in mine works very well and is not out of place, you dont even know its there.
the Sony is a lot of money for the name i have seen cheaper ones with better reviews.

Posted by: cyril

I have a Sony Vaio GT-1 - expensive and the memory card reader is only for Sony Memory sticks. The hard disk is VERY difficult to replace.

If you buy one without a built-in CDROM, you will need to check that your external CDROM can boot your Vaio! Only 3 certain makes of Sony external CDROM drives will boot the GT-1.

PCMCIA memory card readers are cheap, so you would save money buying almost any other brand. All the Sony accessories, bateries etc.. are also over-priced.

Sony's do however look cool, and the GT-1 is a head-turner. The U1 looks cool too...

Posted by: Automan

The company I now work for used to buy them but not any more...

1. All you get is a system recovery cd with no base operating system or drivers only install (full recover or nothing).
2. Only patches for drivers and not complete drivers can be downloaded from their website (needed for memory sticks and their firewire to work).

However they do look cool :)

You can now of course get 7 in 1 card readers now for under Ł40.00 for example http://web6.scan.co.uk/Products/Info.asp?WPID=40516 and Sony do a pc card memory stick device (just got one so my panasonic can read my camera memory sticks).

Automan.

Posted by: BrianHughes

quote:
Originally posted by avaloncourt
I've read quite a few reviews that put them in the way overpriced and poorly designed category. I originally considered one but after reading all of the bad press I went with a Dell Inspiron 8200.

I went for one of these too. The 1600x1200 screen is just awesome, a developer's dream - you just can't get enough screen area.

Posted by: guydewdney

even my ancient 570 thinkpad deals with the sony PCMCIA card reader fine. In fact my pre-historic panasonic CF25 (P1 133 80Mb) dealt with the reader fine.... If thats whats impressing you, you need to re-evaluate...

Now a sony projector with a card reader to do slide shows of your sony digital camera pictures.....

guy

Posted by: GarySargent

Ok maybe better if I tell you guys what I want (in order of whats most important):

1) Good battery life
2) Reasonably light and small (or thin?)
3) Looks good
4) TFT Screen - would prefer at least 1280x1024 res if not more
5) Fast processor (1Ghz or more)
6) Plenty of RAM (256MB or more)
7) Good graphics chip

Note I already have a fast desktop PC. This is more for occasional use whilst away from home. Also as a gadget (hence requirement 3!).

Will probably network it wirelessly too.

Posted by: KeithW

Hi Gary
I don't know where all the bad vibes come from, as I have had my PCG-GRX316MP since it came out and have had ZERO problems. I'm a programmer so tend to work in 1600x1200 and its superb and better than my Desctop with its compaq 19" monitor. Its got Firware so I can burn DVDs via an external Firwire box with the DVD-R in it. It cost about Ł60 for 256Meg of ram to upgrade it to 512. The only downside is that I had to make up may own XP disk and it did not come with one just a recovery Disk, and there is NO Floppy so I have to make up my own Boot CD ( for Nortons Ghost etc ).

Posted by: Nick[Blarg]

Sounds like you want one of the Vaio PCG-GRX series for sure. I've just had to sell my GR214MP as money has got too tight :( but as soon as I can afford it I'll be getting a new Vaio!

They really do rule the laptop world as it were :D