How good quality are Sony Computers

I was thinking of picking up a Sony F series laptop. I would like this laptop to last for 4 years without any major problems or anything like that.

I would not mind springing for the Vaio Care, but I see that is only for 3 years.

One thing I really want to know....is how does SONY quality compare to like say Apple quality etc. Above all I would like to know if the laptop pretty much has a 98% chance of lasting to four years if I take very good care of it. IE, if there are no mistakes on my part, would the laptop last for four years?

I've had great luck so far with SONY products (Tvs, PS3,s PS2s, DVD players, etc) so I just want to see how their laptop quality is.

Also I was wondering...when is the new F series refresh coming out?

 

I can tell you one thing: Sony is built to last. I have a Vaio T140P since 2005 and is still working great, although i am looking to upgrade it to Z series sometimes in June.

 

I think it also depends on which model you buy. The high-end models are built to last but I am not too sure about the budget line.

 

If you treat a notebook with care and look after it, then there's no reason why it shouldn't last 4 years (unless it's a Dell).

 

I agree with both of these comments. The most important element to a laptop lasting is how you use it. Follow these simple rules:

• Regardless of any claims made by a manufacturer about the durability of the display, go out of your way to protect it. I don't personally think you can be too careful with it. NEVER clean the display with solvents; plain water and a microfiber cloth is all you need.
• Always carry the laptop in some sort of protecting case, and - if you're paranoid like me - store it in a slipcase inside another computer case.
• Avoid using it in dusty environments. If you MUST use it in dusty environments, use compressed air frequently (at least quarterly) to blow dust out of the keyboard and air vents.

As for the Sony extended Warranty contracts, you are correct that 3 years is the limit. Honestly, though, if something is going to give out, it'll do it within the 3 years. Keep in mind that you have a couple of key choices in deciding on an extended warranty:

1. Accidental Damage coverage or Not: This is available up for up to 3 years, but is only available with an "Express Ship" option. This means that you must box and ship your laptop to a repair depot to get it serviced; Accidental Damage coverage is NOT available with On-site repair service.
2. On Site or "Express Ship": On-Site warranty is the best of all worlds (IMHO). It means that Sony will dispatch a technician to wherever you are (as long as you're within 50 miles of the local service provider) to fix the laptop. This also means that you get to continue using the laptop if it's not totally dead AND you get to watch the repair (and ensure all due care is taken with your machine). NOTE: On-site plans can NOT be combined with the Accidental Damage coverage.

For myself, I always opt for the ON-SITE coverage because my Vaio is mission-critical and I cannot be without it for the week involved in the "Express Ship" plans.

As for the computer lasting for 4 years, that all depends on what you mean by "lasting." With care, the computer hardware will continue to work for up to 7 years. BUT it won't run then-current programs for that long. If you buy a computer with Windows 7 and 4+GB of RAM and a current generation processor i5 or i7, it should run "current" software for four years, with gradually degrading "speediness." It's not that the computer actually slows down (though it will if you don't run utilities to keep it running in top form); it's more that the demands of the software will eventually and gradually outpace the hardware's ability to keep up.

Wow, I've written a little novella for you; I'd better shut up now...

 

Most important thing you need to know is that its pretty unlikley that any laptop will last 4 years with no problem. Its the nature of laptops. Basically after about 18 month point you'd better have a warranty.

I think very few companies sell 4 year warranties. But again by that point, you are probably better off upgrading anyway. Anyone who sells you a 4 year warranty will have to charge you a lot to cover that last year becuase, as stated the thing is pretty likely to fail by then, no matter what brand it is.

But personally no, I would not put my money on a Sony to last 4 years. No. Sony is more of a disposable purchase. They are little interested in any stories of their product lasting a long time. They'd much rather you buy a new laptop ever 9 months and they are not even embarassed about it.

 

It is model specific - if you buy models made in USA or made in Japan then it's good quality and will last 4 years (except the battery if you charge/discharge frequently or keep it at 100% all the time).