Buy Laptop

[Truculent]

Hey Guys,

I am trying to decide which laptop to buy. As for price, both are close. Even after configuring to what I want in these laptops, the price difference is not much.

I need info as to performance, stability and functioning? Which one is better? I have an Inspiron 9100 from Dell and I find it heavy, gets too hot and makes a lot of noise. So, I am a bit confused if I should buy another dell or shift to a Sony. Also, are there any sticky issues with any of these? I prefer a light, quiet and a somewhat stable laptop. As to the performance something like "Intel Core Duo Processor T2400 / ICD 1.83 GHz", "1G DDR2-533/667, 512MBx2", video card etc.

I am also toying with the idea of putting Linux or create a dual boot on the laptop. Any particular issues in that sense with either of these.

Also if there is any other better laptop within the same range, drop a word on that too.

Thanks
T

 

[deathwalker]

I see no reason to shift to Sony. Sony is traditionally overpriced for the product offered. If you like your Dell (I do!) stick with it. If you are in the mood to switch..check out Lenovo. They have some very popular offerings.

 

[fbrdphreak]

What are you looking for in a laptop?

I'm not impressed by the M1210's offerings. It is very thick & heavy for a 12", so what's the point in getting something with a tiny screen then? The GPU isn't really adequate for games either; the Go7400 only has four pixel pipes and won't do well with modern games.

I'd get the Sony. We're reviewing one right now and the editor likes it so much he bought one for himself along with a dock to use as his primary computer. I use and abuse my computer equipment, so I'm a Thinkpad guy all the way, but for the average user Sony is pretty decent.

 

[Zadillo]

I can't speak about the current SZ's, but I have been using a Sony Vaio S360 for the past year and really like it. I just really like the form factor and performance. The SZ's as I understand it are pretty close, except the keyboard is pretty different. One thing I really like in the SZs is the ability to switch between integrated graphics or the GeForce Go 7400 depending on your needs. Overall though I really like the S and SZ series form factor; seems to be about the perfect compromise to me for lightweight while still offering solid performance.

I can't comment on the Dells, but the XPS M1210 looked pretty good to me from what I read about it.

 

[Foghorn]

You'll get a better price on the M1210 if you look for a Dell sale. If price is a dealbreaker, it's the way to go. methinks fbrdphreak is anti-Dell from what I read.

 

[BladeVenom]

Someone recently posted a XPS deal at Costco, check out the Hot Deals.

 

[pcmodem]

Note that last time I checked the Sony website, it says the SZ series laptops are equipped with 5400 RPM HD drives.
-PCM

 

[yankeesfan]

I just bought the xps m1210 through dell epp.

1.83 ghz
2 gb ram
80 gb 7200rpm
256 mb video

for 1275 (includes tax and shipping)

can't beat that price.

 

[Truculent]

Well Guys, Thanks for your replies.

What I would like to know further is, "Is Sony worth the extra price?". I will be happy to spend the extra bucks if it gives me the same/better functionality as a dell and is also light, makes less noise and doesn't get too hot. I find dell heavy for travel.

fbrdphreak, I am not going to be using it for games. I need it for small code work, writing documents, internet, email, music etc.

Also, any issues on using Linux/dual boot on Sony. Does it crash often or is it stable? Any problem spots like hardware/software from other vendors etc.

Thanks