Discussion
I've been looking around for a replacement laptop as my current one (IBM X24) is slowly dying. It's mainly used for wireless internet surfing, and goes with me on holidays/travel, so it has to be light. I want to be able to download photo's and do a small amount of Photoshop work on them.
So far the Sony Viao VGN-TX3XP/B has caught my eye, particularly the size/weight.
So, a few questions, I have heard comments that Sony Viao's can be a bit 'flaky' - is there any truth in the rumour?
Is the anything else on the market that could meet my needs?
Thanks
So far the Sony Viao VGN-TX3XP/B has caught my eye, particularly the size/weight.
So, a few questions, I have heard comments that Sony Viao's can be a bit 'flaky' - is there any truth in the rumour?
Is the anything else on the market that could meet my needs?
Thanks
The tiny Fujitsu Lifebooks usually stand the test of time very well.
The Toshiba Librettos I've had have always stood up to being left in the bottom of bags, etc. and knocked about in airports, etc.
And the new Flybook is a LOVELY piece of kit, too (if you REALLY want tiny). Not sure of its sturdiness - haven't had need for a new gadget recently!
Edited to add: Yeah, the Vaios have never been the sturdiest of things!
The Toshiba Librettos I've had have always stood up to being left in the bottom of bags, etc. and knocked about in airports, etc.
And the new Flybook is a LOVELY piece of kit, too (if you REALLY want tiny). Not sure of its sturdiness - haven't had need for a new gadget recently!
Edited to add: Yeah, the Vaios have never been the sturdiest of things!
Edited by J_S_G on Saturday 13th January 13:31
I think you're paying a lot for the name and size.
Its a core solo, so 2 generations behind the current processors as far as I know, and will likely struggle with Vista, if you're interested in that, and I would question its PS ability.
Basically, you can get far better specced laptops for less money, though maybe not as small.
If size is the most important thing, then fine, but you're paying a big premium for that and suffering on performance. If I were you though I would want to see PSrunnin g on it before purchase if thats gonna be one of your main uses.
I'd say go down to a John Lewis if you can - they have some cracking laptop deals on at the moment.
ETA - Forgot to say that Ive heard of flaky Vaios too. Allegedly down to the amount of Sony stuff they load on.
Its a core solo, so 2 generations behind the current processors as far as I know, and will likely struggle with Vista, if you're interested in that, and I would question its PS ability.
Basically, you can get far better specced laptops for less money, though maybe not as small.
If size is the most important thing, then fine, but you're paying a big premium for that and suffering on performance. If I were you though I would want to see PSrunnin g on it before purchase if thats gonna be one of your main uses.
I'd say go down to a John Lewis if you can - they have some cracking laptop deals on at the moment.
ETA - Forgot to say that Ive heard of flaky Vaios too. Allegedly down to the amount of Sony stuff they load on.
Edited by FrootBat on Saturday 13th January 13:14
Dell D420 - very nice and light - good build quality, battery life, very light and faster than the Sony. The clock speed doesn't look too impressive, bt its fast enough to run office/ie/itunes. Only downsides are external cd drive andsound quality from the internal speakers.
Edited to say PS runs fine on it.
Edited to say PS runs fine on it.
Edited by bobthemonkey on Saturday 13th January 13:19
Spanner in the works time now...........Apple MacBook Pro.
Larger screen, better residual when you look to upgrade, option to avail of either OS (have to buy Windows separately of course), larger display (15.4 v 11.1), faster processor, cheaper, bigger drive, more memory, unique power adapter, better graphics card.
www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/
You can always save more and get the MacBook which is 13" wide and £999 (black) and still outperforms the Sony one you linked to.
Hang back until Vista comes out, although in all honesty, hang off on Vista until SP1 or 2 comes out! Stick with XP.
Larger screen, better residual when you look to upgrade, option to avail of either OS (have to buy Windows separately of course), larger display (15.4 v 11.1), faster processor, cheaper, bigger drive, more memory, unique power adapter, better graphics card.
www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/
You can always save more and get the MacBook which is 13" wide and £999 (black) and still outperforms the Sony one you linked to.
Hang back until Vista comes out, although in all honesty, hang off on Vista until SP1 or 2 comes out! Stick with XP.
bobthemonkey said:
Dell D420 - very nice and light - good build quality, battery life, very light and faster than the Sony. The clock speed doesn't look too impressive, bt its fast enough to run office/ie/itunes. Only downsides are external cd drive andsound quality from the internal speakers.
Edited to say PS runs fine on it.
Edited to say PS runs fine on it.
Edited by bobthemonkey on Saturday 13th January 13:19
Got a 410 & 420 for work... nice size, etc. Don't like the keyboard and the speakers, though. Normally really like Dells (he says typing this on an Inspiron), but I've just not got on too well with these ones as well. *shrugs*
PJ S said:
Spanner in the works time now...........Apple MacBook Pro..
Like it.
Noting that I'll only use this for 'play'; music, photo's and surfing it could be a good choice. Had a look at a Viao today, wow they are SO sexy..! However, even the salesguy suggest that I should budget for a replacement in 18months to 2 years.
Right...off to find out more about Macs....
If you're going to be down in the big smoke sometime soonish, then take a gander in the Apple Store.
Equally, if you let me know which town/city you're nearest, then we can point you in the direction of a local Mac retailer who hopefully will have a laptop or two for you spend a bit of time playing on.
The alternative is to head over to PC World and have a look there - just don't ask the numbnuts for advice or you'll walk out with a PC laptop, £25M worth of crap software you'll NEVER use, a free camera (your phone's is better!), and a free printer, which when it needs ink, you'll baulk at the price and buy a new printer instead!
So, look, touch, but keep your plastic inside the purse at ALL times. You've been warned.
Equally, if you let me know which town/city you're nearest, then we can point you in the direction of a local Mac retailer who hopefully will have a laptop or two for you spend a bit of time playing on.
The alternative is to head over to PC World and have a look there - just don't ask the numbnuts for advice or you'll walk out with a PC laptop, £25M worth of crap software you'll NEVER use, a free camera (your phone's is better!), and a free printer, which when it needs ink, you'll baulk at the price and buy a new printer instead!
So, look, touch, but keep your plastic inside the purse at ALL times. You've been warned.
I went to PC World earlier, fully intending NOT to buy anything! It was, well, an interesting experience.... 
Quote of the day.. "hmmm, if you want to use it for Photoshop, you'll definitely need some RAM and a webcam". WTF!!!
I've been reading about Macs, although the spec is good and in many ways much better that the Vaio, they're so much heavier. Bear in mind this laptop has to be lugged around along with a camera, lenses and occasionally a tripod, an extra 2kg is noticeable.
Urgh... Function over Form.... HELP!!!
Quote of the day.. "hmmm, if you want to use it for Photoshop, you'll definitely need some RAM and a webcam". WTF!!! I've been reading about Macs, although the spec is good and in many ways much better that the Vaio, they're so much heavier.
Bear in mind this laptop has to be lugged around along with a camera, lenses and occasionally a tripod, an extra 2kg is noticeable. Urgh... Function over Form.... HELP!!!
The old Vaio we have at work is the most hateful heap of shit i've ever had the misfortune of using.
Have a look at the HP business range, specifically the nc2400 or the 4400. They feel very solidly built and i've never had many problems with the HP kit i've worked with over the last few years.
You could try getting hold of a Dell X1, but it'd be an ebay job as they don't make them any more.
Have a look at the HP business range, specifically the nc2400 or the 4400. They feel very solidly built and i've never had many problems with the HP kit i've worked with over the last few years.
You could try getting hold of a Dell X1, but it'd be an ebay job as they don't make them any more.
Edited by agent006 on Saturday 13th January 21:23
x1 is now the D420 - the HP is quite nice as well. If you need it in a pro manner, the Dell warrenty is three years next day on site. Hp is normally a case of collect and return - taking a total of 3 weeks with :shite: customer service (does this last bit break the commandment 'thou shalt not name and shame'
Sorry chim girl, but you can't have your cake AND eat it.......you'll put on weight that way! 
Seriously, the MacBook Pro is 2.4kg, the Vaio is 1.25kg, but then there is a raft of difference I pointed out to above.
Unless you're 4 stone sopping wet, then that difference is nothing - you just need the right bag to carry it all in - ta da!
If you're PS'ing, then aside from RAM (at least 1 preferably 2 GB), you also need power. The CPU in the Vaio is crap.
The C2D in the Mac, and you could move to OS X to save buying XP as PS is available for OS X - then so is GraphicConverter and Apple's own Aperture for photography pros.
Take some time to look on the Apple website and read through the plethora of info there on how working with a Mac makes more sense.
There's nothing you've said that makes a Windows based PC a necessity - a Mac will do everything you need and more - lots more than what Windows and it's supporting Apps will do.
Look at the .Mac section as well - that may be of interest to you as well.
So, cheaper, better, integrated.........the only stumbling block is weight - and even then I'd be harsh and say it's a mental thing that you'll overcome once you start using the Mac with your camera(s).
Seriously, the MacBook Pro is 2.4kg, the Vaio is 1.25kg, but then there is a raft of difference I pointed out to above.
Unless you're 4 stone sopping wet, then that difference is nothing - you just need the right bag to carry it all in - ta da!
If you're PS'ing, then aside from RAM (at least 1 preferably 2 GB), you also need power. The CPU in the Vaio is crap.
The C2D in the Mac, and you could move to OS X to save buying XP as PS is available for OS X - then so is GraphicConverter and Apple's own Aperture for photography pros.
Take some time to look on the Apple website and read through the plethora of info there on how working with a Mac makes more sense.
There's nothing you've said that makes a Windows based PC a necessity - a Mac will do everything you need and more - lots more than what Windows and it's supporting Apps will do.
Look at the .Mac section as well - that may be of interest to you as well.
So, cheaper, better, integrated.........the only stumbling block is weight - and even then I'd be harsh and say it's a mental thing that you'll overcome once you start using the Mac with your camera(s).
Edited by PJ S on Saturday 13th January 22:29
If you want something teeny to carry around (and we really are talking teeny):
- Lifebook: http://s84957758.oneandoneshop.co.uk/ (They do some bigger ones, too)
- Flybook: www.flybook.co.uk/en/model_v33i.htm
- JVC Mininote: www.jvc.com/presentations/MPXV841US/
- Toshiba Libretto: http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-Libretto-
Slightly bigger:
- Dell D420 (Though it still annoys me irrationally!)
- Old Dell 710m off ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-710m-1-6-Cen (Picked that ad so you can see the size of the DVD drive... much better specced ones about - 2Ghz, etc.)
- Dell XPS M1210: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pro
- Gateway NX100X
- Thinkpad X60S
- HP NC2400: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/ (No style, though)
- *Ignoring Vaios & Macs as you've seen them*
- A hundred others I can't think of at 4am!
Me being me, I'd get one of the new UMPCs (probably the Asus R2H) & a fold-up keyboard for it. and use that for travel. And have some old laptop kicked about the house for browsing the 'Net in spare rooms there. Plus a BIG one for doing real work on. (and another for.... oh, and one for...)
- Lifebook: http://s84957758.oneandoneshop.co.uk/ (They do some bigger ones, too)
- Flybook: www.flybook.co.uk/en/model_v33i.htm
- JVC Mininote: www.jvc.com/presentations/MPXV841US/
- Toshiba Libretto: http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-Libretto-
Slightly bigger:
- Dell D420 (Though it still annoys me irrationally!)
- Old Dell 710m off ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-710m-1-6-Cen (Picked that ad so you can see the size of the DVD drive... much better specced ones about - 2Ghz, etc.)
- Dell XPS M1210: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pro
- Gateway NX100X
- Thinkpad X60S
- HP NC2400: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/ (No style, though)
- *Ignoring Vaios & Macs as you've seen them*
- A hundred others I can't think of at 4am!
Me being me, I'd get one of the new UMPCs (probably the Asus R2H) & a fold-up keyboard for it. and use that for travel. And have some old laptop kicked about the house for browsing the 'Net in spare rooms there. Plus a BIG one for doing real work on. (and another for.... oh, and one for...)
chim girl said:
So, a few questions, I have heard comments that Sony Viao's can be a bit 'flaky' - is there any truth in the rumour?
My vaio will be three years old in February, used practically every day for the first eighteen months travelling in the UK and Europer, and used couple of times a week since then. Nothing's broken, nothing's worn out, nothing's fallen off, and nothing suggests it's about to. I've just bought a Macbook Pro to replace it, because the 16MB graphics card in the vaio was only good enough for running Vista with the basic UI, and the MBP runs it a treat.
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