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    Considering a SZ370/381/390

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by mightygerm, Nov 29, 2006.

  1. mightygerm

    mightygerm Newbie

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    Hello,

    I'm looking for an portable laptop to use for college work/light gaming. I commute every day to school, so It's something that would'nt be too bulky to carry around campus, and have enough juice to not be tethered to an outlet all the time.

    I've pretty much narrowed by choices down to a IBM T60 or a Sony SZ series. While I've been able to check out the SZ's at my local dealers (compusa), I have not found much in the way of reivews of the newest line of sz's (370+). I was wondering if you all could answer a couple questions:

    What is the realtime battery life difference with the normal and extended battery? Is it worth buying?

    Does your sony get uncomfortably hot?

    What is the difference between 370/381/390? I only seem able to customize the 390 model. Are there better retailers to use for this model

    For anyone that's also handled/used a T60, how would you compare the models? Is it worth the price premium? (A t60 14" would run about $1500, while the sz390 approaches $2500.) Is the weight difference a big concern? I've handled laptops before, but I've never had to lug one around on a daily basis.
     
    mightygerm, Nov 29, 2006
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  2. Card18

    Card18 Newbie

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    Might I suggest another one, the Sony Vaio C series. It's also got a 13.3" screen like the SZ and looks quite nice. It's slightly thicker than the SZ and weighs an extra pound, but can be found for almost half the price of an SZ.

    I tried playing with it at the sony shop here (I live in Thailand) and I think it's quite a nice buy. Nice sturdy build and pretty good spec (T5500, 512MB DDR2, 80GB, Geforce 7400), however I don't think the US has the GF7400 version.

    Having said all that, I'm still torn between it and the SZ... the carbon fiber lid, smaller size and weight are just so nice :eek:
     
    Card18, Nov 29, 2006
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  3. elizabex

    elizabex Notebook Evangelist

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    It should be noted that the C series does not have the option of a dedicated graphics card here in the US.... which throws a big question mark over the "light gaming" caveat.
     
    elizabex, Nov 29, 2006
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  4. Card18

    Card18 Newbie

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    Yes very true about the C in the US. However back here in Thailand we don't have the option of dedicated graphics in the T60 either :eek:

    So go for the SZ ;)

    BTW maybe you want to check out the tingly palmrest on the SZ, I've heard it's an issue for some people while plugged into a wall socket.

    Another possible option could be a Toshiba Satellite M100 since it can be configured with X1400 graphics which isn't too shabby if you ask me.
     
    Card18, Nov 29, 2006
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