I finally made my decision

After running the entire gamut of laptop choices, from Acer to Sony, from ultra portable to desktop replacement; I have finally made a decision.

My new laptop: Sony GRT270.

Specs:
Mobile 2.8 Ghz P4 533 FSB
512 DDR266 RAM
80 GB 4,200 RPM HD
2x +- DVD Burner
64 MB GeforceFX 5600Go
16.1" UXGA Xbrite Screen
Integrated TV Tuner
Integrated A/V Input
Integrated 802.11g

Why this laptop? Several reasons. I needed a dvd burner in my next laptop--dual format was a big drawing point in this instance. I can play the latest 3d games on it w/o slowdown, which is a plus for me. The screen was probably the most important reason in deciding to purchase THIS laptop over others (even other GRT models). I have seen the XBrite display and it is gorgeous, albeit with glare (no more than a CRT though, which I have no problems with); it is BIG, 16.1" is larger than a regular 17" CRT and the resolution is awesome. I also was interested in taking my old home movies that are on VHS tape and converting them to DVD. I can do that with this laptop w/o purchasing anything else. It has the A/V input, burner, speed, and software to accomplish this, I couldn't really find many laptops that had this feature--another big drawing point. I will be using the TV tuner a lot, which most competing models don't have. Lastly, Sony offers accidental protection coverage which I convinced myself I was going to get with my next laptop.

I am quite excited but also nervous. It should be coming sometime next week at which point in time I will post some pics and give my detailed review of the pros and cons. Hopefully the pros outway the cons. [ ]

 

This is a great package. As long as you don't mind giving up battery life and portability, you'll be in awesome shape. Now comes the worst part of all...waiting...and waiting...and......

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

WAITING! Its driving me insane! [ ]

I especially liked that I got it for under 2 grand NIB. That helps to ease the. . .pain. [ ]

 

Hi Slat. Congrats on your new purchase...

May I ask exactly where you got it...and how much...sounds alot like what I am looking for! Thanks alot.

ZChem

 

Thank you. I purchased it off of an auction site (Yahoo auction to be more precise). I find that you can score some pretty sweet deals if you wait long enough and do some smart shopping. Just make sure to check out his/her reseller rating and how long they have been in "business". The place that I purchased mine from is an actual business that has an online segment so I will receive a valid receipt and can purchase Sony's extended warranty (which I will do). And I payed with Paypal, and at least with this seller I had the benefit of paying a *small* fee to guarantee I will actually get my item as described or they will reimburse me. I encourage this on large purchases (such as this one).

If you are interested I can also help you browse the auctions and find a computer very similar to this for around the same amount of money.

After I recieve it (it should be tomorrow sometime) I will give first impressions and hopefully thereafter a mini-review so other people interested in a similar laptop can have something to go off of.

Slat

 

Slat:

That would be great if you happen to see one similar to yours around that price....please let me know. I played with one at a store today..and the screen was fantastic compared to most of the others. Plus, like you, I like the tv tuner and I have lots of cute videos of my kids and other stuff that I would like to burn to DVD and send to family around the world. Can't wait to hear about it. Thanks a bunch for your help...really appreciate it!

ZChem

 

No problemo. The screen is gorgeous isn't it? [ ]

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3465064314&category=38122

Good deal. NIB. Good rating, has been an Ebayer for a while, he has a vested interest in making you happy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3463679261&category=38122

Not good deal. I put this one in here to show how you should shop these auctions. Two reasons why this is a complete NO NO: Most importantly, he has a good rating of 16 but look when he joined--January 6th of this year, never buy anything from someone who just joined, regardless of their amount of feedback unless its a relatively inexpensive item. A lot of scam artists do this--they accrue a lot of good remarks from friends by selling them "stuff" that they actually never send, but because these "friends" purchased something they give feedback. It may not be the case here, but 2 grand is 2 grand. Second is the price is not that great. . .for a used product. If it were new it would be different.

*Edit* Also note how this seller accepts Wire Transfers. . .that is the WORST method of payment you could use with a stranger, a wire transfer is for dealings between friends etc. This is a HUGE scam tactic. (Perhaps not in this case, but in general)

 

Hey Slat... thanks for taking the time to find those... that first one looks pretty good. I would like to have your opinion on this one that I am also considering. The good: It has a slightly faster processor, 1 GB RAM, 5400 rpm 80GB, includes MS Office (a must have for me) with most other specs the same. The bad: the screen, while 17", is only XGA (1440 x 900). I would like your opinion on this Toshi vs. the VAIO you are getting... what do you think? Am I missing something?

Heres the ad: (I have already corresponded with him by e-mail)

Highlights Toshiba P25-S609 (NIB)
Record/view movies and TV programs (via Microsoft Windows XP MCE2004). An 80GB 5,400 rpm hard drive provides hours of recording time! Experience cutting-edge graphics with the NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 w/64MB DDR memory. NIB Factory Sealed.


Specifications:
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 3.0GHz
Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2004
1024MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM (512MB x 2)
17" diagonal Wide-Screen XGA Display (1440 x 900)
NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 GPU w/64MB DDR memory
80GB HDD (5400 rpm)
DVD Multi (CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM)
Integrated Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11a/g)
Microsoft® Works, Drag’n Drop CD+DVD Software, InterVideo® WinDVD Creator Plus, Sonic PrimeTime™
Microsoft Office XP
4-USB (2.0) ports
iLINK (IEEE 1394) port
1-FIR port
SD media slot
TV-Out (S-Video) port
10/100 Ethernet
V.92/56K modemº
Parallel port

Part No. 76371
Mfg Part No. PSP20U19PS8R

$1850 (private seller)

 

Thanks man....you've been a real help. Can't wait to hear your report on your new toy.

 

I like Toshiba as well, I had one for my last laptop. I was considering (for a very short time) that laptop in particular. It had a few problems that for me anyway, were just too big. The video card doesn't compare favorably (or closely for that matter) to any of the top mobile gpus; those being the Radeon 9600, 9700, and the Geforce Go5600/5700. Since I will be playing more than a few games on this laptop, having a cruddy video card isn't an option. Next factor was the screen; sure, its big--but the resolution stinks. The screen did not look crisp, clear, or bright--and from my MAIN computer that is not acceptable, no matter what it has on the inside. Other than those two detracting factors (which again, IMHO are quite large) its a great laptop. And the price is certainly very good. I would take a look at the screen to see if you could look at it and be happy for extended periods of time. If you think its ok and you don't want to play the latest 3d games out; snag it.

 

How does this laptop stacks against the K-17?
The K-17 is much cheaper at $1800,
with faster processor but lousier video card?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Shujie55

 

Slat, I can't find close to your deal anywhere
and my mind is now set on the GRT 260 (seems to be
closest to your specs) i.e.

Sony Vaio GRT260:
2.8GHz Intel Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, 80GB hard drive, 1X1 DVD-RW/2X2 DVD+RW, 56K, 10/100 Ethernet, WiFi 802.11b/g, Windows XP Home and a 16.1" SXGA+ active-matrix display

The GRT270 seems to be lower specs:
Sony Vaio GRT270 P4M-2.6G 80GB 512MB W2K 16.1-UXGA DVD/CDRW FW

at least on google/next tage and mysimon.


BTW, if you know of the deal again, I'd appreciate if you forward
the url.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Shujie55

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Slat

 

SLAT!!! I ordered the very same Sony that you are getting!! And, also like you, after much comparing (literally hours of reading) and for the same reasons, chose this one over the others. It definitely sounds like a computer we can grow into, instead of be outdated nearly as soon as it arrives.

Mine should be here on Thursday or Friday. OMG!!! I can harldy stand it!! Its fun knowing someone else is on the same pins and needles, LOL

Looking forward to hearing how you love your new Sony!! It will take me awhile to "move in" to mine... I am "crossing over" from an Averatec 12" notebook. That was my first notebook. It served its purpose by convincing me I had to have a "real" one... to do everything I needed and wanted to do with it.

Am a Sony nut in general anyway... have 3 of their digital cameras, they are AWESOME!!


In Anticipation,
Boo [ ]

 

Sounds like a nice laptop you have configered there. I was wondering what kind of warranty does Sony offer and how is their support/reliabilty? Also do you happen to know the resolution on the 16.1" UXGA Xbrite Screen?

Hill

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Hill

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Boo

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Hill