Question:
Cant decide, please help :)
Hello
I'm an architect looking for a new laptop, I've narrowed my choices down to two sony laptops because of my budget. and after a month of research i've decided that i only want a sony.
The two laptops are Sony Vaio VGN-FJ290 and VGN-AR130G
I've been going back and fourth between the two trying to decide which i want. here are my thoughts about the two, perhaps you could help me decide:
VGN-FJ290:
- beautiful design and color (pink)
- windows xp professional
- small and light
Vendor Specs: 2.0 GHz Processor, 1GB RAM, 100GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive, DVD-RW Burner, 14.1" Widescreen Display and Windows XP Professional
VGN-AR130G:
- better graphics card
- dual core processor
- my only concern is the size which to me seems too big to carry around
- i googled the 130G model and couldnt find any reviews
- also I need windows xp and the deal i found only has Windows Media center, and i dont know if its possible to change windows, I've heard that it messes up your computer
Vendor Specs: 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo Processor T2300 CPU, 1GB (2x512MB) RAM, 160GB 4200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Dual Layer DVD Burner, nVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 Graphics, 17" Widescreen Display, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Update Rollup 2, 8.4LB
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I also answered the Laptop questionaire if that helps
1) What is your budget?
$1700 max
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15"
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
CAD, 3d max, photoshop, illustrator
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
yes, it almost never stays on my desk
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
no
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Sony
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
doesnt matter
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
dont mind
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
VERY, I cant stand the boxy notebooks
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
For a smaller laptop, try the ASUS W7j or perhaps the W3j, which may be overkill ;)
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
The HP nx6325 is a good notebook to look at.
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
Asus A8f if you're on a budget.. or if you could spend slightly more, the V6J.. this one is very light and very stylish
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
Well if your heart is set on getting either of those, I would have to recommend the FJ over the AR looking at your faq. If you're gonna carry this thing around,17" @ 8.4 lbs is quite a load and its jus too big to be using outsite imo. One thing about the sony ultraportables and the AR probably is that it has questionable durability so handle with care. Also with the AR if you need winXP, you prob could change it if you had the XP installation discs and go insane with finding the right drivers. Other and more costly way is to get a AR-170 and customize it to come with XP pro.
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
Thanks everyone for the quick response, I should have done this before attempting to make my own research.
coriolis: both laptops were tiny :( I've never used less than 15" so i assume a 14" is tiny.
Chaz: I'm sorry but the HP is kinda ugly..
Goren : Thank you, I loved the look of the Asus, but A8f is too small and V6J is over my budget
Sirius: Thank you!! I will either take your advice or keep looking at the Asus and see if I can find one that fits my needs
Thanks Everyone ;)
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
What other Asus models do you guys recommend?
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
V6J is over my budget
not with the $270 rebate and instant discount from Geared2play ;)
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
the Asus W3J from GenTech PC would be perfect for you. its very portable and very powerful. it might be $50-$100 over your budget if thats okay.
Answer:
Re: Cant decide, please help :)
Will integrated graphics be sufficient for the programs you are using or do they require dedicated GPUs?