FW vs. AW

I have the FW11ZU (with ATI 3650 Radeon), this has only just been recently purchased. I have seen today that Sony has brought out their new AW model, with 18.4 inch 1920x1080 screen among other things (have compared the specs between my current model and the AW VGN-AW11Z/B). I wouldn't be looking at the one with RGB LED backlighting as the cost is quite prohibitive.

My question really is should i return my current FW11ZU and get the AW11Z/B. I mean i know that each model would have it advantages and disadvantages, i.e. the AW weighting in at 0.8 kg heavier than the FW, but it does pack quite a few additional features; like 18.4 inch screen with 1920x1080 res., uprated graphics card, subwoofer and dolby home threatre, 64 bit windows, etc. The cost is also roughly the same between the FW11ZU and the AW11Z/B

 

AW is too big and too thick to be carried around in my opinion. I have seen 17" AR and that is too big for me.

 

Well even the FW isn't a "carry around" laptop.

If you need to carry it around, Z, TZ, SR something like that.

If you think you would like a larger screen and more power. using your laptop at home at a desk!!! (or on a solid base) as a desktop replacement it may be a worthwhile consideration.

I for my part wouldn't like to return something, but if your happy with doing that.

 

On the issue of portability, i guess if you are taking it out of the house and putting it in the car and then just carrying it into where you intend to use it, it doesn't really matter about the weight and dimensions. I don't find the FW unportable.

I was just wondering on balance which is a better buy, as roughly speaking they are about the same price, the AW being better speced.

What is the problem with returning?

 

Just me.
As I said, if your happy with returning it.

Generally when I buy something I'll stick with it, even if it isn't the best.

I wanted an SZ before they died. I got an SZ7.
Now about a month later Sony offered 4 years warranty for free in Germany and at the same price the Z is very slightly better but still I love my SZ and wouldn't change it for the world.

If you are happy returning something - it is your righ as a customer as far as I'm aware.

 

One thing you may want to consider is the pixel density. FW has 111.94 Pixels Per Inch while AW has 119.72 Pixels Per Inch. The higher the pixels density, the smaller the font and you have to squint your eyes to read the text.

You can get around this by changing the DPI in Vista, but it may look odd and not all software is DPI friendly, especially older software.

 

I guess i would have to have a look at an AW to really make a decision, of course they don't offical come out in the UK untill the beginning of October, i wonder if a sony centre might have one in a little earier.

I was just thinking that overall the AW would provide better performance, in terms of HD, graphics, sound, etc. Any views on this?

 

The VAIO VGN-AW11Z/B looks like it will be a great bit of kit for a reasonable price (comparatively). A lot cheaper thank the 3-RGB-lamp-screen one and also I prefer a pair of 5400rpm 320GB drives to the 128GB Solid-state/500GB 4200rpm combo anyway.

Bluray will look superb on that X-black screen. Graphics card is good but not up with the more expensive (if 'fully loaded') Dell xps 1730 but give me a Sony over a Dell any day.

If you are committed to Sony and have the muscles to carry a 18.4" machine I would say certainly change the FW for the AW.

I know I want one.

 

I don't really find the FW that i currently have all that heavy or unmanagable to carry around, the AW being 0.8 kg heavier i wouldn't of thought would make a lot of difference.

 

I prefer the silver colour of the FW over the piano black of the AW, i don't believe the titanium grey is available in the UK, like it is in the US.

 

High Definition would look better because it has native 1080p resolution and bigger screen.
Graphic is also better because GeForce 9600M GT is faster than Radeon 3650
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Graphic-Cards.130.0.html
Sound may be better because you have bigger notebook and therefore bigger speakers

The only problems I could think of are the price and smaller fonts.

 

It is on Sony UK as 1498.98 (the AW without the RGB), The FW11ZU is on there for 1299.98. The FW11ZU can be found for 1099.99, so i assume that the discount would be similar for the AW from the same place, so 1299.99.

I think 2498.99 for the AW with the RGB with led backlighting and T9600 is a bit excessive.

 

The speakers on the FW do seem to be a bit week. The AW comes with Dolby home threater along with a subwoofer, instead of Dolby sound room like on the FW, so the AW sound produce better sound

 

Im thiking about turning in my VGNAW160J for the FW series. My question for you FW owners is there any known issues with the FW. For example the AW had some problems with the screen peeling and chipping. Also outside of a smaller screen, will there be anything else Im going to miss.

 

I need somethung comparable in specs as well to the AW160J

 

This thread is really old. Do not bring back threads 6 months or older. Feel free to make a new thread on this topic.

Thread closed.