AR-190G (Blu-Ray DVD drive)

Does anyone have any experience with this laptop?

Specifically, how does this compare to Toshiba's Qosmio G35 AV650?

What I'd really like to better understand is what are the real "PROS" vs. "CONS" of both laptops.

I realize that the new Sony Blu-Ray disc drive burns DVDs in HD (which is nice) but other than that (i.e. is that the only major difference?) what do people think are the pluses and minuses?

- Design
- Specs
- Features
- Useability
- Function

etc...

Thanks in advance!

 

The AR190G 7600gt go will blow the Toshibas 7600go away in most games trust me, i have the 7600gt go in my ar11s and i can do some insane resolution gaming ie flatout 2 at 1920x1200 max detail with 4xaa and 16xaf, The xblack/xbrite screen is beautiful a joy to watch bluray movies on (although the toshibas screen is just as good). If you get the Sony you will more than likely have to go straight to the update site for patches and firmware updates. The only cons are steep price but i could/am living with that, Also dvd sound playback seems pretty low atm, maybe there wil be a furture fix as games/tv/music is loud enough, the sonys sometimes have trouble reading MS dvd Software discs like encarta 2006 but a firmware update should hopefully sort that. The design of the sony is naturally beautiful and feels pretty solid. I have not sat down and had a good play with the toshiba but from what little time i did have with it it was bloody good. All in all the 7600gt go and bluray made me sway to the sony ar11s. hope this helps and good luck on your decision!

 

Focca, thanks for the post - very helpful insight on the Sony...

I'm not familiar with the AR11S - is that an earlier or later version of the 190G?

thanks again

 

The ar11s is the UK version of the AR190g!
Another thing to note is that sony AR series is about to go core 2 duo see link below
http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/subca...oducts=true&looseFlag=true&navigation=forward

 

- Design
I have the AR150G. The overall design of the system is pretty good. I had to tighten a few screws on the bottom of the laptop to stop some body creaks. The keyboard is a little odd and it's not as good as the one on the FE/FS series IMHO. The latch is locted on the base of the system and is poor design to say the least. It's only held closed by that one latch (that isn't spring loaded by the way, so it's hard to get at).

- Specs
I got the Core Duo T2300 (1.86) 1GB Ram and 160GB hard drive space. I know that Foca has the 5400rpm drives, but I haven't had the chance to check. I have the Geforce 7600 128 MB that scores 4000+ on 3dmark 2005 with a slight overclock.

- Features
TV Tuner, some good software included, but some bloat also. Bluetooth, DVDRW.

- Useability
Very good. I love how the eject button is located next to the keyboard. That is one of my fav features. The screen is good..I have the 1400x900 model. Some feedback says that the WUXGA screen is not as bright and suffers from other issues. This laptop is BIG AS HELL and it's bigger than any other 17" laptop that I have ever used. I'm not talking about the thickness, I'm refering to the width and the depth of the machine. The size makes it look slightly weird, and mine has been nicknamed "Big Bertha".

- Function
See useability.
etc...

Spiderkhan

 

Foca, where is that picture from? It looks like the Bahamas.

 

It most certainly is, its from an excursion we went on to Exuma....What a beautiful place!

 

Errr...you mean the T2300 (1.66ghz) or the T2400 (1.83ghz).. ? (unless it was changed...cause that's what I remember it at last time I checked)

I actually was able to see one in a CompUSA and I can say it looks very nice. However, something about the keyboard and touchpad irks me. But anyways, very straight solid edges, gives it a rigid, sturdy look...and it felt that way when I was touching it.

Generally, Toshiba notebooks aren't that great in graphics. Sony will best it in videogame performance. Unsure about other multimedia stuff though.

 

Yeah, I blew that one. It's the T2400. I was originally gettin the T2300, but got permission from the wife to boost the dollars a bit.

The machine is pretty solid, but I have to agree that I'm not a big fan of the keyboard. The shape of the keys as well as the feel is causing me to hit the backspace a lot. The touchpad is also VERY sensitive to skipping when you're typing. I'll have to decrease sensitivity when I get a chance.

 

I've been to Nassu 2 times already, and plan to go a third time later this year. You are right my friend...very beautiful...especially the beaches and water.