Dell XPS M1210 or Sony SZ?

Hi,

I am REALLY torn between the Sony SZ140 (customizable) and the Dell XPS M1210...I'm hoping someone can help me decide. (Side note: I've already read all the related threads to this topic, but they still haven't answered my questions.)

The essentials I really need: as lightweight as possible yet with a full-size keyboard and built-in optical drive. I will be using this for law school, and I do not do any gaming, so I essentially just need it for word processing, surfing the web, listening to some music, etc. Cost is not an issue.

I have seen the SZ in person and it seemed nice. I went to a Dell kiosk but the XPS M1210 is sold out and so I am unable to see it in person.

I see from the specs that the M1210 is a bit heavier than the SZ, but I can't tell how significant it will be. The main point of me getting a new laptop is to get one that is lighter and easier to transport. I should note that I would get the extended life battery on whichever of the two computers I choose, which I know will add a bit of weight.

I have had great experiences with my Dell laptops and I like their quality, etc. However, I've read not-so-good things about Sony product quality and customer service (on this website and other similar ones - for example, the spacebar issue, the battery wiggle issue, pixelation, etc), which is making me reluctant to getting the SZ.

It basically boils down to this:

Sony SZ: lighter weight, but questionable quality/build/support
Dell XPS M1210: heavier weight (though not sure how much heavier), but already know I like Dell's quality/build/support

Can anyone who's experienced both tell me how significant the difference in weight is between the SZ and the M1210? Would it make a difference in carrying it on my shoulder? (As I live in New York City, I will be doing a lot of walking.) Or at least someone who has an M1210 tell me if your shoulder starts to hurt after carrying it around for awhile? I really think I'd prefer to get the M1210 because of the quality-of-product issue, but the weight issue is a deal breaker if it's significantly heavier.

I have already looked into, and am not interested in any other laptop brands out there, so please do not suggest others. HOWEVER, the other alternative would be...does anyone know if Dell is set to release a new laptop similar to the M1210 but lighter weight?

Thanks so much!

 

Don't crosspost:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=60365
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=60361

I'd get the SZ just because it looks WAY better than the M1210. If there are issues with it, you can just exchange it until you get a good one.

 

Not to confuse you more, but there's also the Asus W7J, which is very similar to the SZ, but hopefully better build quality:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=57846
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=59807
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=58173

It should be available in the U.S. in black around the end of this month.

 

I don't understand. You have already known SZ has quality issues why still ask for a little weight difference that may end you up in deep problems/troubles, simple as that!

 

ASUS is also problematic. You ask for troubles (keys easily fell off keyboard and palm rea discoloration, battery problems ect...) if you get an ASUS.

 

I'm sure you can find plenty of people who have had issues with Dell notebooks too.

 

Because I don't know how significant the weight difference is. And, I don't know for sure that the quality is bad on a Sony...just don't have personal experience with it. It's possible there are as many people happy with the Sony as unhappy....and I know many people have problems with Dell, though I've never had a problem with Dell, so it makes me think that although some people have problems with Sony it doesn't mean I will...

 

You could try to find display models of both the Dell and Sony and try them out. When I did that, I decided that the SZ keyboard bothered me too much, but others don't mind it.

I know Best Buy, Fry's, and CompUSA sometimes have Sony SZ's. And Dell has kiosks in many malls where they have a few select models on display. The Dell kiosks in my city said they would probably have the XPS1210 next month.

 

As I said in my first post, I've already done that. I tried the SZ at the Sony store, and it seemed fine, and I didn't mind the keyboard. But, of course, that doesn't mean I won't have issues with its quality later (e.g. the battery slipping, the space bar not working properly, the screen pixelating, the whole thing dying on me, etc).

I already went to the Dell kiosk near me and they don't have the XPS M1210, nor will they be getting it any time soon. There are no other kiosks I can get to.

Thanks anyway.

 

**** happens to computers.
If you are worried about it go for a company with better support.
Dell XPS support is way better than Sony.

 

Probably not what you want to hear, but have you looked att the D620?
I am very pleased with mine.

 

Yes I've looked at it. However, it's the same weight as the XPS M1210, so that's no help.

Do you find that carrying around your D620 hurts your shoulder after awhile? Or is it fine?