The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Can somesome shed some light on this sony laptop from bestbuy

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by rudyjdr, Feb 16, 2010.

  1. rudyjdr

    rudyjdr Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Is this a new model (VPCS111FM/S)? I've been to the Sony website and can't seem to find the S Series.

    Below are the product features...

    Intel® Core™ i5-430M processor
    Features a 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed.
    The all new 2010 Intel® Core™ i5 processor
    Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
    Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
    Delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't. Intel® HD Graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
    4GB DDR3 memory
    For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
    Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
    Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Also supports DVD-RAM.
    13.3" LED-backlit widescreen display
    With 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
    500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
    Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times. G-Sensor shock protection for protecting your information.
    Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
    With 2263MB total graphics memory. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV. Intel® High Definition Audio support.
    Intel® Wireless Display technology
    Lets you wirelessly stream online media and personal content from the laptop to your HDTV through your home network, so you can enjoy Internet TV, videos, photos and more on your big screen.
    Built-in MOTION EYE webcam
    With microphone and face-tracking technology makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
    Multiformat media reader
    Supports Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats with MagicGate functionality. Also includes a Secure Digital card slot.
    i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port and 3 USB 2.0 ports
    For digital data transfer and mobile digital imaging capabilities.
    Built-in Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
    To wirelessly connect to the Internet.
    Built-in A2DP Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) interface
    For linking with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
    Built-in 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T Gigabit Fast Ethernet LAN
    With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
    Weighs 4.4 lbs. and measures 1.2" thin
    For lightweight portability.
    Long battery life
    Of up to 5 hours to give you more time away from an outlet.
    Backlit keyboard
    For increased visibility in poor lighting conditions.
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
    Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
    Software package included
    With Sony Creativity Suite, Microsoft Works SE 9.0 and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
    Best Buy Software Installer
    Personalize your PC! Discover and install just the software and services you want. Learn more.
    ENERGY STAR qualified
    Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
    Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
     
  2. ehosey2

    ehosey2 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    530
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    It's Best Buy's Blue Label crap. The CTO S series should be available soon.
     
  3. WildSioux

    WildSioux Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Yeah, I almost bought this one the other day when I was at the store. But I am not impressed with the netgear push2tv thing. If the Sony S had the 1600x900 screen with a NVIDIA then I would definitely buy it. Here's hoping the Sony S CTO has those options (looking at the sonystyle UK site).
     
  4. H.A.L. 9000

    H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw

    Reputations:
    6,415
    Messages:
    5,296
    Likes Received:
    552
    Trophy Points:
    281
    Oh the CTO will have the higher screen resolution and NVIDIA options... But the one out at BB is that "Blue Label" crap, with Intel GMA HD.
     
  5. WildSioux

    WildSioux Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    That is good to hear...hopefully soon.
     
  6. ehosey2

    ehosey2 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    530
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    This Blue Label crap BB is promoting....haha...as I type this one of those BB commericals came on tv...I have two questions. Which customers are asking for this crap and since when did BB give a crap what their customers say anyways ?
     
  7. WildSioux

    WildSioux Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Yeah, I was trying to get the Toshiba E205 blue label at the store to work with the wireless tv adapter. They had it hooked up to a lcd screen. The computer could not find the adapter. So I thought a restart may do. Still no luck. I finally just unplugged it and walked away as one of the store clerks walked by and laughed. What a joke...
     
  8. ChaosSpear

    ChaosSpear Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    229
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    it is really cool. but i dont need it. I could see how it would be better in the business world where in a meeting one person could push a button and connect. But for me, I would never have to connect it to a tv or projector anyway. so eh.
     
  9. rudyjdr

    rudyjdr Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I'm thinking about buying this laptop for my home office...essentially using outlook, excel, word, powerpoint, quickbooks and internet with some movie/video watching. Is this a good machine for my needs or should I wait for the new Z to launch?
     
  10. TimeBandit

    TimeBandit Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    The S series will work great for your needs and at a substantial discount to the Z.
    The Z would be the top of the line but also the most expensive and overkill for your needs.
     
  11. |Я|µ|

    |Я|µ| Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    108
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Wow. Somebody's got a grudge.

    :twitchy:
     
  12. ehosey2

    ehosey2 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    530
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I would not call it a grudge. I'm just pointing out that these " Blue Label " products are crap, and I'm not the only NBR member who would agree with me. The BB sales people push these Geek Squad " optimization services " for a premium price when knowledgeable consumers know is a rip off. If you were to have a problem with a notebook purchased from them and have an idea of the issue, you are given such a run around by the BB people that in many cases it becomes a frustrating process to resolve. And yes,the commericials are annoying. I won't even begin with their shady " in store " internet Best Buy web site prices which were in fact marked up and got the attention of a few state Attorney General's to the matter after numerous customer complaints, which BB basically said " Oh, it must have been an error and we will fix it " type of statement from them. They certainly won't get my business.
     
  13. |Я|µ|

    |Я|µ| Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    108
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Here's a suggestion: Next time support your argument or give complete examples.

    When you started off and came back to say that BB was crap, you were just spewing. Some people are here to learn, so teach them. Just because you say something doesn't make it so, and it especially doesn't sound legitimate when an argument uses childish language.

    For this specific question, the original poster was asking about the laptop itself. Discussing the vendor comes second.
     
  14. ehosey2

    ehosey2 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    530
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    First off, you are correct about the original poster asking about the notebook itself and therefore my apologies to rudyjdr for going off topic.

    Secondly, any business, including Best Buy, that conducts themselves in a deceptive and less than honorable practice should be not be trusted and therefore deserves scrutiny and criticism.

    http://blogs.buffalonews.com/moneysmart/2009/03/best-buy-faces-class-action-lawsuit.html

    http://boingboing.net/2007/03/03/best-buy-admits-to-k.html

    http://seesdifferent.wordpress.com/...e-in-stores-to-fool-customers-into-worst-buy/

    http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...price-matching-policy-revealed-in-lawsuit.ars

    I don't need to go on.
     
  15. Mikazukinoyaiba

    Mikazukinoyaiba Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    68
    Messages:
    687
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Regardless, you hardly commented on the S-series.. which I attest is a pretty nice notebook.
     
  16. ehosey2

    ehosey2 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    530
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I never said the S series notebook is crap, just the " Blue Label " version of it....( integrated graphics card, shaky netgear push 2tv performance, limited screen viewing angles.) Yeah, my opinion. I said it. As for rudyjdr, I told him that the CTO ( configure to order ) option should be offered soon at Sony Style so he is aware of it and he can decide for himself what configuration is best for his needs. Yes, the BB version could meet his needs but since rudyjdr asked for some feedback, I admittedly offered and have since apologized for my comment about BB but if he's willing to wait for the new Z like he mentioned, perhaps it could be worth the wait for the S series CTO option as well. Then, he can choose the NVIDIA 310m graphics option and perhaps the 1600 x 900 screen option if it's offered, or whatever other options become available.