Buying a sony?

br1512 · Feb 14, 2012

Hi,

So I am thinking about purchasing a Sony VAIO S Series laptop.

Specs:

4GB (4GB fixed onboard + 1 open SDRAM slot) DDR3-SDRAM-1333

Intel® Core™ i5-2450M processor (2.50GHz / 3.10GHz with Turbo Boost)

500GB (7200rpm) hard drive

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology

13.3" LED backlit display (1600x900)

My question is if this is a good laptop to purchase?

It will be primarily used for school where the majority of work I do is related to financial modeling. Some gaming and and movie watching as well. Im looking for portability, light weight, and style that doesnt sacrifice too much in terms of power and graphics.

I am a fan of the look of the laptop, but unfortunately dont know all that much about Sony's.

Is this a quality buy or is there something else with similar asthetics and/or better specs out there?

Thanks in advance.

Major Attitude · Feb 14, 2012

Welcome to Majorgeeks. Let me start by saying there is NO easy answer and give you a generic answer.

Sony, Toshiba, Dell, Gateway and all the brand names are not all that different. You often get what you pay for, plain and simple. Easy answer done.

Next up is what YOU need based on what I see and what you said.

4 GB is the minimum.
500 GB is about the minimum hard drive today.
In video cards you have AMD and Intel. Flip a coin, both are good. If you see an Intel video card however, don't do it.
Screen size: Depends on use. Games on a 13.3" will be pretty hard IMHO, especially if you are talking big name commercial stuff.
Movies: Baterry life will go from 3 hours to 1 or maybe 2 tops. Video and games will drain your battery fast if you were planning on using battery power a lot.
If you like the looks and feel, that's a HUGE plus. You have to live with it.

Like many I have a favorite brand and that's Toshiba. Why? No reason. I have had a couple and picked up a couple for friends who years later still use them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another brand if I liked the laptop and price and neither should you!

br1512 · Feb 14, 2012

The gaming aspect isnt a deal breaker. I would be playing something like Skyrim maybe. But the older I get the further I move away from games anyway!

But I do want to purchase a laptop that will transition well into the business world for me when I graduate (in a year) and last at least 3 years hopefully.

Because I am moving into the business world thats why I would like something with "style."

Would you recommend upgrading the RAM and hard drive? My only issue with that is that I am on a budget. Probably cant exceed $1200.

Im open to suitable replacements but I just need the expertise of others to guide me!

Major Attitude · Feb 14, 2012

1200 buys a killer laptop. If you can find 8 gigs, I would do that now.

Shop around, read reviews, take your time:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...CatId=17&cm_sp=Masthead-_-Computers-_-Spot 02

Caliban · Feb 14, 2012

Major Attitude said: ↑

If you like the looks and feel, that's a HUGE plus. You have to live with it.
Click to expand...

Agreed - if at all possible, put your hands on any portable that you might be considering. Don't let your eyes deceive you by just looking at online advertisements - if you're going to be using this machine as a business tool, then it must be ergonomically compatible...

br1512 · Feb 14, 2012

I have handled the Sony at a local best buy. I'm pretty sold on it. But it's always tough making a bigger purchase.

Can anyone say where the video card falls on the spectrum of video card hierarchy?

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Buying a sony?

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Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member

Caliban I don't need no steenkin' title!

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