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    Never owned a Sony but this caught my eye and I was wondering if it a good laptop

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by mrminsky, Jul 31, 2008.

  1. mrminsky

    mrminsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking to get this laptop and I was wondering if it is worth the money for a mid range laptop? HOw about the Blue ray player, will I be able to watch on my big screen with the HDMI cable. Is the FZ sries reliable and durable? THanks

    VGN-FZ348E/B 15.4

    • Intel Core 2 Duo T5450
    • 160GB hard drive
    ` Nvidia 8400GT dedicated Card
    • Built-in wireless 802.11abgn
    • 2GB of DDR2 memory
    • Plays Blu-ray, burns DVDs HDMI
    • Built-in webcam
    $799
     
    mrminsky, Jul 31, 2008
    #1
  2. Duke2007

    Duke2007 Notebook Deity

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    thats a pretty sweet deal with blu ray... you know blu ray upgrades run for 200 + on sonystyle... a bargain
     
    Duke2007, Jul 31, 2008
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  3. HerrKaputt

    HerrKaputt Elite Notebook User

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    I will add that Sony laptops typically have above average screen quality (I'm saying this from surfing these forums, I never owned a Sony myself).
     
    HerrKaputt, Jul 31, 2008
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  4. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    I am on my second Sony lappy (even though I did not think I would buy a second one) - RUN, don't walk to the store to get that FZ for $799!

    Even the XBright-Eco is better than most screens on the market right now.
     
    bubbatex, Jul 31, 2008
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  5. Duct Tape Dude

    Duct Tape Dude Duct Tape Dude

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    The BluRay makes it completely worth it. I say get it.
     
    Duct Tape Dude, Jul 31, 2008
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  6. mrminsky

    mrminsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    mrminsky, Jul 31, 2008
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  7. icehell

    icehell Notebook Evangelist

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    Fz very weak processor!
    For extra 100$ you can get new FW from newegg or bestbuy.
     
    icehell, Jul 31, 2008
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  8. mrminsky

    mrminsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    It Is More Like $200 More. Yes, A Faster Processor, But Not Blue Ray
     
    mrminsky, Jul 31, 2008
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  9. Duke2007

    Duke2007 Notebook Deity

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    If you're typing documents, surfing the net, watching porno, watching blu ray... I don't think the processor will make much difference for your uses.
     
    Duke2007, Jul 31, 2008
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  10. Verseau

    Verseau Notebook Geek

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    I also suggest you get it.

    Your p*rn files and blue ray disks will work just fine!

    :)
     
    Verseau, Jul 31, 2008
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  11. dotHack

    dotHack Notebook Consultant

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    IF you want the blu ray it is, in one word: a bargain.

    And don't worry about the processor because it even has the 8400GT video card, wich does all the HD decoding instead of the processor.

    If you are going to need CPU intensive applications then you may get a better laptop with beter processor, but for almost any, any use you can give to it, the CPU will suffice your needs =] it is not.

    RUN and get that laptop now!


    And yes, you may get a FW, but without blu ray and for 200 US$ more... and I don't know your likes but anything bigger than 15.4 is way too big for me.
     
    dotHack, Jul 31, 2008
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  12. Skyshade

    Skyshade Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Definitely a good deal for a laptop with blue-ray. Do be advised that the battery life is below average for its size. I have an FZ and this one is my 4th Sony... :)
     
    Skyshade, Jul 31, 2008
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  13. jetro

    jetro Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's a fantastic laptop. The FZ348 is currently the cheapest blu-ray, HDMI, dedicated graphics equipped laptop on the market today. I was hesitant to buy it when I saw that the processor is only 1.6Ghz but I tell you, after using it for a couple of days, it is far from being underpowered. The fact that it has a dedicated 256 MB graphics has made it capable of handling graphics intensive applications. And oh.. the screen is gorgeous, one of the best I've seen on a laptop.

    Now the ugly part:
    - battery life is real short, you'll get 2 hours at best, 1.5 hours norm.
    - do be aware of the nvdia 8 series issue, this is the ugliest part of it... I almost got another laptop because of this, but after searching for an alternative with the features that I what, I couldn't find anything that is within the FZ348s price range.


    The FZ is perfect for my needs, so I am staying with it. The blu-ray, hdmi and dedicated graphics are the deal breakers, not to mention the good pricing. good luck!
     
    jetro, Aug 1, 2008
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  14. klas

    klas Notebook Deity

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    i would suggest you to look at refurbished FZ, there are tons of them on sonystyle website. I bought similar model except it had 200GB HD/ Hi Color screen (which I highly recommend) for $1k in February it was in perfect condition.
     
    klas, Aug 2, 2008
    #14