Considering a Vaio...need help!

Okay, so I am on the long wait list for an M1330 from Dell and I am considering canceling it and taking my $2000 and buying a Vaio.

Here is what I am looking for:

Screen:
13.3 or 14.1

Price:
$2000 or less

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or better (Santa Rosa would be nice)

RAM:
2GB

GPU:
A good one.

I really like the TZ430N/B and the CR190 but of the two, I like the TZ430N/B. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I really like the GPU and the switch for the GPU on the TZ430N/B.

Thanks!
Mike

 

I love the CR series! I didn't get a Vaio because they have crappy battery life. A real honest Sony rep told me with an extended battery, the CR would only be garunteed 3 hrs of use. He said the advertised time is way off.

 

You should consider the new SZ650 (with Santa Rosa) as well. It'll be available by the next week. It has pretty much the same specs the M1330 has.

 

Yeah, I am looking at that but didn't think it would be available for weeks...if it is available before my M1330 ships, I will be ordering it.

 

You should go to a Dell kiosk and play with the M1330 for a few days/weeks. At the same time play with the VAIO SZ then make a decision.
The SZ I have was the best notebook for my needs at the time and so far is the best multipurpose comp I have. That Dell looks really juicy to me also, if that was out when I was looking it would have been close. You can get the top of the line M1330 really cheap (discounts, coupons, whole sellers) to keep you under 2K. Also since it’s an XPS you’ll get service other non-XPS folks have. For example, I had a few problems with my M170 and I would get the parts 24hrs after calling customer service. With VAIOs it's hard to get a great deal unless you know someone that can hook you up, plus the service is standard.
Of all my six notebooks the VAIO (and other friends VAIOs) seems to be picky about clean installs. She can be a very sensitive machine, but well worth the effort. All other notebooks I’ve wiped have been smooth. Something to think about if you’re not good with OS installs with drivers and all.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to give my VAIO an erotic massage.

 

Before you get a Vaio, check out exactly how much repairs, replacements and maintenance will cost you. I'm using a Vaio S right now and have already upgraded the RAM, replaced the hard drive (Too many bad sectors) and the DVD writer. The battery is 2.5 years old and is on the way to it's grave. The DVD writer cost me a bomb and so will the battery.
It was actually better off getting a new machine.
Not to mention it only comes with a one year warranty and the additional warranty cost way more than other companies.