Opinions on A series LCD technology?

I was pretty excited about the features and specifications of the A190 or A170 or A17 (they just know how to make it confusing) but having had a close look at it, the screen looks "glossy", which is a disappointment because it makes doing graphics and color management impposible. I don't really understand the point of a glossy screen, except maybe it looks "cool" and brighter. Perhaps I'll just wait for a matt one someday or maybe I'm missing out on something here...

 

I have a A170 and had the same concern first. Fortunately the glossy screen doesn't bother me at all. I really like the brightness and the colors are much more vivid.

As for the A series my complaints are the facts that you can't exchange the hard drive and the fan is running constantly (quietly but still running).

 

I like the brightness too. As for the constant running of fan, it seems to be a sony thing. I currently have the 16.1" GR series and yea the fan runs contantly. And not just that but the noise that comes from it as well.

Back to the screen, I brought some test pictures with rich and vibrant colors but it looked dull. Also, I could see some "banding" on the blue sky too.

 

Interesting, I did the same thing. I took a USB Memory Stick to check if the aspect ratio is right. I also compared the same picture on the A170 and my old computer Dell Inspiron 8200 (ultrasharp screen) and was stunned how much better for example bright leaves look on the Sony. On the Dell it looked washed out.

 

It's strange that manufacturers like Toshiba and HP comes up with 17" screen but the maximum resolution is only at SXGA+, which I don't quite see the point since the reason for getting a 17" screen is wanting to see more things on their screen and not bigger display size... at least in my opinion.

And ironically they come up with a WUXGA resolution on a 15.4" screen..

 

The possible reason for not having a WUXGA on a 17" model is due to cost. 15.4" models sell better even though they have the more expensive screens. The 17" models don't sell as well, yet, but they're picking up steam. Maybe by the end of the year, HP & Toshiba will decide to put WUXGA screens on their 17" models.

-Vb-

 

The screen on my A-series is fantastic and draws attention from everyone who sees it. Yes it is quite glossy, but catch it at the right angle and its literally perfect colour and brightness. A big thumbs up I love my A-series.

 

I have a GRT290Z and am considering replacing it with the new A190. I am concerned about going from the 3.06 P4 to 1.7 Pentium M. I have a couple of questions if anyone can help me.

1)I use a lot of Video editing apps as well as the usual business software and of course the odd game here and there. Will I see a big difference with the 1.7 Pentium M over the 3.06 P4?

2)I love the Xbrite screen on my GRT but have seen a lot of negative comments regarding the A190's screen, most of which seem to be aimed at it's reflective nature, does it have a different type of screen or does it use the same coatings as the GRT XBrite?

Thanks for any comments regarding this.

Peanutt uses
Sony TR1MP - The Road Warrior
Sony GRT290ZP - The Desktop Replacement
Toshiba E805 PPC - Simply the Best PPC
Sony Ericsson P900 - The do anything Phone

 

hmmm... see next post for some bad news!

yep... thats me.

 

The worst news i can tell you.... I have the A117s which is like the a190, 17 inch screen.

At the weekend, that screen FAILED... it flickered and died.... oh ****, im so disappointed.

i bought in the uk, but im currently on business in germany.

i know the guarantee is for EU countries, but not sure if sony will pick it up or if i have to bring it to a sony center.

i hope that im not the first on many!!!!!!!!

so i guess a lamp has failed or something... is this easy for them to fix... how long do you think my laptop will be away.

??

yep... thats me.

 

I have an A170 with the 17" screen. The screen is absolutely fabulous! In fact I'd say it's beyond compare! The sharpness is outstanding, colour vivid, brightness more than you'll ever want and as for the reflection, while the screen does look glossy when it's off, it really isn't a problem in use.

This screen is absolutely awesome! That's all I can say! [8D]

 

well my nice laptop is still in for repair at sony.... damn it.

screen failed, though it was gorgeous while it worked.... though its only a month old!

krlock

yep... thats me.

 

Hey krlock, that's got to hurt. Sorry about that. Thank goodness I don't have any such problems so far, 'cause I live in India and sending it back to the U.S. would not only be a major pain, it would also cripple my work!