New TX850P/B Owner!

After quite a bit of research and what not (some tugging from the Sony Store salesman on my credit card) I purchased a Sony TX850.

I'm very happy with its feature set and overall performance. However, there are a few things that kind of bug me on this regarding the keyboard. Is it just me or anyone else?
- No dedicated Page up and Page down keys (have to use FN arrows... anyone have a solution to maybe force the FN to be a little more 'sticky' than normal?)
- No web browser BACK and FORWARD keys

I guess coming from a ThinkPad in the corporate environment got me a little used to their keyboards. I am getting used to the trackpad only though.

I bought my unit in a Sony Store up here in Calgary, Alberta. No one appears to have any slip cases made for the TX available. Even SonyStyle.Ca doesn't have them in stock. Any recommendations? I'm going to be taking a business trip to Detroit and the Toledo, OH region -- is there a Sony Store around there (other PC stores) that might have it?

Last question, I want to upgrade to max RAM. What part number should I be looking for? Must it be Sony or can I pick up RAM from elsewhere?

Many thanks!

 

You can install anyone's RAM, Sony does not make memory. Just make sure you order the right type. If you order from a supplier like the one below, you simply enter your brand and model and you get a recommendation:

http://www.18004memory.com/

I'll let TX owners answer your other questions.

 

Thanks... I went to that site and got the specs for the 512MB module - 512MB-533MHz DDR2-533 PC2-4200, 200p SODIMM, 1.8v. I visited a local computer shop and got a Kingston 512MB unit for about $60 CDN. So I'm a happy camper. Thanks again

 

There's a slipcase from SonyStyle Canada.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/se...1&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=1002914

Hope this helps.

 

Sounds like you're dialed on the RAM. I maxed out mine too and noticed an immediate difference.

I got this case from eBay and can recommend the seller. It's not super slim but it's well padded and fits into my briefcase easily.

 

You're welcome!

 

I thought the TX850 came with both slots occupied (2x512), meaning you'd have to replace one of the 512's with a 1G to max out the RAM. Or are there 3 slots?

 

Yep, I got the RAM. When I got home, I opened up the TX to find that there is already a 512MB of Samsung RAM in it. I guess I'm heading to the store later today to upgrade to the 1GB. Oh well. Pain in the rear but oh well.

I bought a really nice microfiber/suede slip case from London Drugs. It appears to have been originally made for the 12" Apple Powerbook, but this thing fits the TX850 beautifully. The feel and quality is fantastic. It even comes with an extra sheet of the same material to cover the keyboard to protect the screen that fits perfect. I'm planning on getting that Sony Vaio AC16V10 AC Power Adapter (slimline) later, so it'll fit just on the side of this case. The company is Stucano, and it's a lovely dark grey colour. It was $59 CDN at London Drugs on sale. I know, its kind of expensive but I just spent a pile on the notebook itself and I'm not waiting for Sony Canada to get them back in stock in late November!

 

If you're planning to buy a portable mouse to go with your Vaio TX, try MoGo bluetooth mouse, because it can be tucked away in your PCMCIA slot while charging instead of carrying extra stuff around.

 

The mouse fits in your PC Card slot? Wow, how does it do that???

 

This is the website.

http://www.newtonperipherals.com/
http://www.newtonperipherals.com/Documents/MoGo_Mouse_Brief_072406.pdf

Yes I was surprised too at first.

 

I have a Logitech V500 notebook mouse that I absolutely love. Its small, receiver hides in the mouse during storage, and it all fits in my new case. Besides, it matches nicely. It's small, but still works well in my hand. I've used that PC Card mouse before and I find it uncomfortable after a while.

 

Pics, please! I may just consider trading in my SZ for this piece of awesomeness!

 

Okay, here you go. One picture is just the case itself. It's difficult to photograph since it appears on the 'soft' side due to the microfiber/suede type fabric. Second picture is the TX850 sitting on top with the keyboard cover and the mouse in front.