HELP: Sony AR630E vs. AR550U (also Vista worries)

Hi there fellow laptopians,

I'm new to these forums and have two questions:

1) I've been going over these two similar laptop models on Amazon for a while now and I swear the cheaper one is actually the better computer (the only real difference is that the more expensive one has vista ultimate edition instead of premium and bluetooth, but maybe I'm overlooking something).

My primary uses for this new laptop will be web design (using the Adobe CS3 Suite), video editing (most likely using Sony Vegas), some gaming (when Starcraft 2 comes out haha) and the usual internet/email stuff. Anyway, here are the 2 laptops I'm currently... lemme know what ya think and if I'm missing something or if there is another laptop I should be considering:

Sony VAIO VGN-AR630E:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VCE21A
$1549 (list $1700)

some basic specs:
- Multimedia studio notebook with 17-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD and 1.3-megapixel webcam
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, dual 160 GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drives (320 gigs total), 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), Blu-Ray Disc read (DVD and CD burning)
- Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics (up to 895 MB of available memory)
- Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54. Memory Stick/SD memory card reader

Sony VAIO VGN-AR550U:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RLO2H4
$1699 (list $2499 - quite a price drop)

some basic specs:
-Multimedia studio notebook with 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 ("Santa Rosa") processor and 17-inch LCD
-Dual 120 GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drives (240 gigs total), 2 GB installed RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD burner, NTSC/ATSC TV tuners
-Three USB 2.0, one, FireWire, one HDMI output, S/PDIF audio output, ExpressCard 54 card slot, Memory Stick & SD readers
-Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), 10/100 Ethernet, Nvidia GeForce 8400M video card with up to 895 MB of shared memory; Bluetooth
-Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Ultimate (with Premium and Business capabilities)

There are some more technical details on their Amazon.com pages, so check those out cuz maybe I'm overlooking something. But from what I can tell, the cheaper one has a faster processor, more hard drive space and it can play blue-ray discs. The more expensive one has vista ultimate and bluetooth, but a slower processor and less hard drive space (oh and this one apparently comes with a remote control and an IR receiver... you know, because people use remote controls for computers they keep on their LAPS all the time). So yeah, I'm leaning towards the cheaper one because it seems to be a better computer overall... am I wrong? ( note: I'm also open to suggestions for other comparable laptops, Sony or otherwise)

2) I spoke with a Sony rep earlier today and they confirmed that these models cannot be ordered with Windows XP pre-installed and that I have to have Vista on them. When I asked about downgrading to Vista after I purchase one of these laptops, they led me to believe that the laptop would basically malfunction if I did it. " Each VAIO computer is designed specifically to work with the Sony OEM version of Windows pre-installed from the factory. The bundled software applications and device drivers are also designed and written for that original Operating System." So by downgrading to XP, a variety of devices would become nonfunctional. Is this true? I really don't want to have Vista on my laptop as I use a variety of programs, some of them are a bit older and I constantly hear about how Vista can be really cranky when it comes to what programs work on it.

Any help/advice you guys can provide me with would be greatly appreciated as I'm hoping to purchase one of these laptops (or a comparable one) soon.

Thanks!

-Roger

 

hello Rogerb, without much ado, i will strongly recommend the vaio AR630e. its not comparable to the 550 cos at the end of the day you'll not make us of the additional functions of vista Ultimate. then about downgrading, you can do that without sonys help cos they don't manufacture any component in thier laptop so you can always get d drivers and you xp will work perfectly. The only problem you might have is with the installation of windows xp because its a sata HDD so you'll need to boot with the driver loaded. hope that solves your problem.

dont forget ar630 is a whole lot better

 

I just got a sony Ar630e and its the best 17inch laptop to own. so you need to compare nomore just go for it

 

To my knowledge Sony is telling the truth in most of what they are saying. The Bluray disc playback may not function if you downgrade to XP as well as some Nvidia issues you may have. Sony basically takes the Nvidia control center and rewrites it for use with hot keys and some other "Sony" only functions. I just bought the VGN-790u/b and have to say that other than the fact that setup took forever due to a tremendous amount of crapware needing uninstalling, it is the best computer I have ever laid my hands on. Not to mention I have had a great experience with Vista