Originally posted by: juggalomike
Any input is appreciated, thanks.
Hrm... Well...
There are lots of considerations, when you buy a portable computer. Unless you feel like answering 101 questions, there's no way to judge whether or not a Sony is for you.
I'm typing this on a lowly Asus Eee PC via Linux Mint 7. Who's to say this wouldn't work out better for
you?
For instance, a $250 Asus Netbook and a $750 Toshiba Notebook might be preferable to a $1000 Sony!
That's my current 'laptop' solution, and it's working out great!
Since you said you would appreciate "any input"...
You can get hella nice machine for 1000 bones! The sweet spot has always been $700-$800. That's where most ppl live, and marketers know that... sooo, $1000 will allow you to get a really nice machine.
I own a LOT of Sony products. All of my televisions are Sonys. Dittos for my alarm clock, boom box, toothbrush... whatever. Put another way, I have nothing against Sony, but I don't care for their computers - for various reasons - same as you and Macs, I suppose. Basically, they leave me limp - not macho or sexy enough for me, e.g. too bland and sterile!
If I was looking for a $1000 portable, I'd be looking at HP lappys. HP has some really impressive (macho and sexy) models in that price range! I see a lot of professionals using them - businessmen in $1000 suits at the airport - A/V support at convention hall lectures, et cetera. I'm always checking out what 'the pros' use, and they mostly run high-end HPs. I don't know anyone that uses a Sony for anything...
Beware of polished turds!!!
I've noticed a disturbing trend lately (with portables). Manufacturers are making them cheaper, lighter, thinner, and so forth, to the point that portables are becoming brittle. Certain models are breaking, just sitting there on the shelf. You know... metal screws in plastic stand-offs, and 'pop-goes-the-weasel'. They ALL look great on the outside, but we're starting to see a lot of crap on the inside...
In that price range, make sure you get something with a metal chassis, and preferably a metal lid.
Pay CLOSE attention to what's inside - the internal construction! That's my "advice" to you...