Review: Sony Vaio SA

Well my signature is a bit premature, considering i'm still waiting for my SA, but I plan on adding a caddy as soon as I find one that is suitable, along with taking pictures of the install process. Just checked NewmodeUS and they added some more info onto their S page, " We are currently manufacturing caddies for the Sony SB Series laptops, the SB Series caddies will be available by the end of July."

Yeah I agree with you there, the trackpad is definitely important, and it can be frustrating dealing with an inadequate trackpad. Regarding traveling with a mouse, I use my Logitech Anywhere MX mouse everywhere I take my laptop, except maybe a picnic table/bench like you described, or an airplane's fold-out tray, and during those times I like for the trackpad to be sensitive and precise.

For 40-60 bucks though, I think a portable mouse is one of the best purchases someone can make for their laptop if they are serious about getting work done or even just for ease of use.

Here's to hoping the trackpad is good!

 

I have my Razer Orochi as my main mouse for work and gaming. It has bluetooth but is also very compact and comes with a wired mode.

The SA trackpad felt good but I personally love the feel of the C series because of the texture and it fades in with the body of the laptop. I have no complaints about the SA trackpad however I use a mouse more than the trackpad so I can't judge the overall quality, just the feel.

 

Saw the SA and couldn't tell the screen from the SB either. Also noticed the hinge on the SA is looser. Weight feels the same to me. Chrome buttons look tacky. Am sticking with my SB.

 

I'm assuming you went to a Sony store and looked at the SA.

Personally no one can totally pass-off a laptop just because of what they see and feel from a demo model on the shelves; they get used more (probably why the hinge was looser). You have to take into account what others say as well as taking into account what you saw.

I'm not saying you're wrong by any means, this is your opinion. Just telling everyone else that they should do their own research as well before deciding.

There is also a new model of SA's on sonystyle.ca; seems they upped the GPU. I'll take 10.

 

LMAO! Ordering right now

 

Yes it was in a Sony Store. My comparison to the hinge is that they're both floor models. The SA was only 3 days old at the time and the SB was like what...months! Anyway, I'm not discounting what other peeps said like what you're implying but am giving my feedback like they did however different it was.

I agree that people should check the units out themselves before deciding. If you like the SA, great. It's just not for me.

 

The SA I received is also looser than the SB I had for a week. For now I will live with it rather than send it in for repair and have Sony scratch it all up.

 

How hard would it be to hard it a little? is it even possible by myself?

 

And why do you say that?

 

So is this thing really as bad as people are making it out to be? Looking at buying in the next week essentially and was leaning towards the SA until I read all this stuff about bad screen, bad hinges, poor battery life, bad service reps, etc. etc.

Was hoping for a consumer review to come out but with the slice battery special ending the 19th I'm running out of time and am turning to you guys.

So is it really that bad or are these things just getting blown out of proportion?

I currently own a Dell XPS M1330 and have been looking at the ASUS U36, Vaio SA/SB, MBP 13 and a few others.

 

U36 has weak graphics card and is a little too big. They lengthen it to make up for the thinness (as well as to fit in a bigger battery). SA is also a tad too big, but has all-rounded performance for its size. I'm not sure if the hinge is weak, but if you so much push the lid a little, it sways back and forth a bit like a spring. MBP 13 should give a good user experience but is a tad too heavy.

What are you looking to do with your new laptop?

If you've never seen/owned a Z, and you want to game, go for SA. But given that you come from using an XPS M1330, which has really good screen, you may find the screen a let down. Getting a good battery life is just a matter of using sensible power settings and depends on what you're doing on your laptop.

If you want good screen, and want to game, but not like the latest and most demanding games, then even Vaio Z is good enough for you.

If you are prone to breaking things and want a good tech support service, go for MBP 13.

Forget about U36.

 

Oh, how I miss my SR... too bad it wasn't more durable Seriously, the screen was beautiful, but I had to have it changed 3 times due to the LCD panel getting pressure spots all over - even though it was in it's neoprene case, which was inside a padded compartment in my backpack all the time... unfortunately, it is now a desktop (looks pretty trippy as one too...) due to the screen completely dying out of warranty. Obviously they did something right on that screen though, judging by how much the replacements were!

Anyways, thanks for the pictures! The only SonyStyle store in Arizona closed recently, so I haven't been able to see it yet (sad days...). If the new Z isn't out by the beginning of Fall semester, I'll be getting an x220, regardless of how ugly it is

 

I used to own a M1330 and then later moved onto a SZ7. My SZ7 has got a better screen then the M1330. I'm now expecting the SA to have at least an equally as good as if not better display than my SZ7. It is a 3 year LED display after all which now in 2011 has some weaknesses. I own a Sony TT with an 8 bit display and i don't expect that kind of quality but it would be nice, i do though want a good display.

I think to sum up all these posts on the display, the display is judged to be average in todays market. There are some owners who are happy with the screen. As i wrote before people have different expectations/tolerances when it comes to displays. Some people were also hoping that the SA would be more of a premium notebook than the SB, which it isn't really but that doesn't make the SA a poor notebook.
If you can really try and go and see it in store. This is of course though not possible if you live in the EU where it appears to be CTO only for now.

With it looking like the next Z series external gpu will be a 6630 it looks like there is little chance of Sony improving the SA display. Z owners who do not like the two part design of the Z are not turning to the SA which is not ideal for Sony.

 

Rachel, is it possible that you go to a Sony Store and see the SA yourself so you can fulfill us with your thoughts?

 

Portability, quality, and battery life are probably three biggest concerns. Will be some gaming but very little. Will be lugging it around campus for notes and will be doing a lot of multitasking. Just a lot of all-around use. Want it to be under 4 lbs preferably, 6+ hours real battery life, and for it to be reliable. Would prefer 1600x900 but not a dealbreaker. Budget is $1300 CAD so SA is at my maximum price range.

The M1330 didn't seem to have a great screen to me... At least compared to friends MBP's.

Z is out of my price range.

Lenovos seem a good option but I'm not sure I can get over the blandness.

 

Acer 3830TG? SAmsung series 9?

 

Have heard the 3830TG has battery problems and throttling issues...

Haven't looked at Series 9 much, they look very very nice. Lesser processor though and aren't they like $1500?

 

I live in the UK in the suburbs of London. As far as i'm aware no stores are carrying the SA yet. My nearest Sony store doesn't carry these. I'm not sure about Tottenham Crt Rd but i'll look into it. Last time i was there Micro Anvika seemed to carry more Sony laptops than the Sony store and Micro Anvika don't have any in. Hopefully stores will start carrying these.

dyzfunctioned based on everything that you've written i think the SA or SB would be a good choice for you.

ETA
I just called the Tottenham Crt Rd store which is like the biggest store in London and they don't have any and said that in may be 2-3wks they should be getting some into view only.

 

Thanks, I appreciate all the feedback I can get. Will wait a few more days to see if any commercial reviews come out but if nothings out by the 19th, might have to pull the trigger.

 

You should really go out and see the laptop for yourself. Reviews offer 1 POV and it's not always the POV you wish to hear; seeing is believing for laptops and it offers a connection to what you are about to buy. Don't rely on reviews, just like game reviews, everyone has an opinion.

I personally went out and saw an SA after I read so many things on this forum and I have to say that I loved every second of it; the screen -- to me is good, the feel of the laptop is solid, and I loved the design.

Everyone has different things to say but I went out and saw it and I made an opinion: my own and I'm sticking with it.

 

I went out and saw it briefly. I'm hardly a computer expert though so I wasn't really sure what to look for. It looked nice, the keyboard seemed good, and the display wasn't near as nice as the nearby Z but it didn't bother me by any means.

That's about all I could do with it though - it was locked down so I couldn't lift it to get a feel for weight, and it was password protected and the sales associate wasn't very accomodating.

Might have to try going once more.

 

I wish there was a way for you to get a closer look at the laptop as when I went to view the SA, the sales associate was more than happy to unlock it for me and get a feel for it. Seems weird for someone in that position to try and not accommodate for a sale.

 

No opinion or review will be more valuable than your own..don't base anything on someone else's review (including my own)...go see the Vaio SA yourself...everyone's perception and needs are different - to each his own. Contrary to my own review, there are many people the feel the Vaio SA display quality is just fine and people are overreacting. Go see it yourself and then decide!

 

Yea I completely understand that. However, just going to a store doesn't tell me that it gets 6+ hours of battery life and it doesn't tell me if there's any problems with it.

Also, I'm sure pretty much any laptop on the market today would satisfy my "needs".

However, without knowing a great deal about computers, its difficult to gauge which is the best for me. I've looked mainly at MPB 13", MBA, ASUS U35/U36, Acer 3820/3830, Vaio SA/SB, etc. and all would serve my needs but if one is better for the value or significantly better than the rest it certainly helps me to hear that.

As is, leaning towards Vaio SA as the 1600x900 is appealing, reviews are mainly positive, Blu-ray option, and comes with adobe software and the sheet battery.

 

id skip the asus and acer. mbp or vaio sa would be my advice. vaio sa would be the most powerful/full featured. mbp is probably the best quality...but really expensive.

Just FYI - I bought Vaio Z last week...i took best display quality in market over newest technology. I don't think the new tech would make and real difference for my uses...so i took the refurbished 2010 Vaio Z model for $999 since ill be look at the screen 24/7...and the deal was good. laptop came in mint condition also.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

Everyone seems to love the Z. I'm pretty set on getting new technology since I've waited a year to buy a laptop just so I could get the SB processors for better battery life. Might have to check into those too.

So little time, so many options.

 

Battery is a touchy subject to review; there are many things that can affect the battery life on reviews and everyone gauges it different. What I would do is look at a few reviews of people (maybe 5 or 6), total their battery-life numbers and average it. Gives you SOMEWHAT an indication of what the battery is going to be like. After that you can compare it to other users on the forum and ask how they get their numbers.

Personally the SA is the best option for a 13.3" laptop because of the options it gives you. Most smaller laptops offer nothing to customize while the SA is pretty wide spread on what you can change. I've looked at other laptops like the ASUS U35/U36 and yes, they are quality laptops as well. If you want mobility, battery life, and cooling then ASUS makes some good contenders. The SA for me is a mobile package that has everything you need to do anything; it's the Jack-of-all-Trades 13.3" laptop and that's why I'm going to buy one.

 

This is really helpful. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts with me, I really appreciate.

Will probably post a "What Notebook Should I Buy?" just to get a few more opinions but from the sounds of it the SA is the route I'll go.

Is there any options for the CTO that you guys would consider must-have?

 

Yeah it's noticeably looser but still not bad. So long as it doesn't get looser with time, it should be ok. I wouldn't trust the repair folks either with that minor issue. I also suspect this to be done on purpose by Sony...maybe due to the stiffer hinges in the SB contributing to screen wobble when on the bus, train.

Saw the 3830T at Fry's and was initially impressed with the design. Then I pulled out the power plug the battery power immediately dropped to 99%. That was on a balanced setting. From this test, the Sony battery seems to be more robust. The Acer looks good though with better built-in speakers and it's price is tempting for what it offers.

 

The drop could be a lot of things; could be like some android ROMs where the battery SAYS 100% charged but the minute you unplug the phone it drops to 97%. That isn't an indication of a bad ROM, just an indication of trying to preserve the battery in some way like Sony but not to the 80% limit extent.

 

Regardless of the reasons implemented by Acer causing the sudden drop, battery life is less than the Sony as the SA/SB holds 100% even after going through the boot-up process.

 

Just because Sony's SA/SB says 100% doesn't mean the battery is at 100%. How do you know it's not 97% like the Acer? It could be 100% of the charge they allow which is 97% of the capacity.

A number is just a number. Just because the Acer says it's below 100% the minute you unplug it doesn't mean the battery is worse in any way.

 

Depends on where you're buying from, but select 7200rpm 500GB instead of 5400rpm one - it's only $20 extra. It's also not a bad decision to select 2520m instead of 2410m since it's only $50 extra. 2620m is too expensive because 2520m to 2620m is pretty much same increase as 2410m to 2520m, but it costs $200 extra compared to $50. Unless you really need the best CPU you can get, of course.

About the SA in general, if I had to buy a laptop right now, I would buy the SA because it is the closest approximation of what I'm looking in a laptop. It doesn't have a great screen, but if you can make that sacrifice, then SA is the best because is has everything else. No 13 or even 14 incher (currently available) comes close to SA from my point of view. Except the Z of course, which is old technology while the new one won't have internal ODD. Z is too expensive for me anyway, it has stuff that I don't really need.

 

Yeah, I agree - looked at Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung, and finally decided on an SA. None are perfect for me (I'd prefer the SA not have an ODD and be a bit thinner, e.g.), but I found an SA in stock with a 256GB SSD, so placed an order today.

 

For me, the upgrade to W7 Pro is a must have since I use XP mode and backup to my home NAS, will most likely need to join a domain within my SA's lifetime - but if you don't do any of those things, then $ you don't need to spend. The upgrade to a slightly faster i5 would probably be un-noticeable. If you'll be on AC power a lot, go with 7200RPM; if on battery mostly, stay with 5400. And of course don't pay Sony for a memory upgrade!

 

On sonystyle.ca there is no 7200 rpm option - only 5400 rpm (500, 640, and 720). Also no 2520m - there's 2410m, 2540m (+$100), and 2620m (+$250).

Yea, don't think I need pro. And no option for 7200 anyway! Thanks for the advice.

 

Is the difference in SA/SB huge? 1600x900 resolution alone makes me willing to spend a bit more but the SA I priced out was $1299.99 and the SB was $899.99.

 

I agree, don't pay Sony for RAM. Same goes for SSD unless you're really uncomfortable with upgrading it yourself.

About the CPU upgrade, it's 3-4% of the laptop price, so it's not so much to pay to have peace of mind for the future, unless you're planning to replace your laptop quickly. I myself am buying stuff to use for 5 years, so $10 per year or 0.8$ per month is not really that much to me.

But I once came to conclusion that CPU upgrades don't matter much because in 5 years the difference between one CPU and another CPU really won't be noticeable.
Still, there's a peace-of-mind thing when it comes to CPU upgrades.

 

Also, the SA has 1GB 6630 graphics instead of the SB's 512MB 6470.

And, IIRC the US site CTO for the SA starts with a BlueRay instead of the SB's regular DVD. (Although the retail SA I bought has a regular DVD)

 

I agree re CPU - for me, I'd pay the $50 for an i5-2520, but not $250 for an i7-2620!

Also, I'm going to do a clean install to Ultimate just because I have an unused retail copy just sitting around, and I'd like federated search. But I wouldn't pay the extra $100 if I didn't already have it.

 

SA on Canadian site has Blu-ray as well but you can remove it to save $100.

So SA's resolution, video card, and build materials worth the extra $400?

I could get an SB w/ 2520m and blu-ray for $200 less than the SA..

 

You know what, you could be right. Just read that one 3830t user was able to go 8hrs30min on a single charge is impressive.

Too bad about their throttling problems though.

Going back to the SA, what battery life have you guys been getting?

 

Let us know how the clean install goes, and whether you were able to transfer the free adobe software over to the clean install (if you tried).

 

When I configure an equivalent SA and SB on the US site, I get a $200 difference. (I had to add Blueray to the SB, since I couldn't remove it from SA)

For me, it's worth that difference for the resolution and build (I don't care about video difference)

 

Weird, this is what I get:

Sony Vaio SA - $1299.99 (+$100 for Blu-ray)

Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor (2.30GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.90GHz
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium
Black
4GB (4GB Fixed Onboard + 1 Open SDRAM Slot) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
500GB (5400rpm) hard drive
CD/DVD Player / Burner
AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
13.3" LED backlit display (1600x900)
Extended Sheet Battery (Standard Capacity Battery + Large Capacity Sheet Battery) (Bonus Battery! Reg. $199.99. Discount already applied.)

Sony Vaio SB - $899.9 (+$100 for Blu-ray)

Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor (2.30GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.90GHz
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium
Bolt Black
4GB (4GB Fixed Onboard + 1 Open SDRAM Slot) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
500GB (5400rpm) hard drive
CD/DVD Player / Burner
AMD Radeon™ 6470M (512MB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
13.3" VAIO Display with LED backlight (1366 x 768)
Extended Sheet Battery (Standard Capacity Battery + Large Capacity Sheet Battery) (Bonus Battery! Reg. $199.99. Discount already applied.)

 

Is this on the US site? I don't see any sort of bonus sheet battery option when I try to configure. I'm jealous!

 

Recent discussion on how to do a clean install has been moved to the SA/SB/SC/SD owners' thread which is the relevant thread for this. Or i suggest that a new thread is started on how to do a clean install.

 

Canadian site only I think.

 

He's not spreading anything, just misinformed. Live and learn; the forum is here for everyone to learn something new.

The only thing the SB lacks is GPU power and resolution compared to the SA. Some people have also said the SA seems to have a better screen (due to the resolution but take that with a grain of salt). If you are not a gamer by any means then the SB is great, if you want to play some Crysis or Zork (doh ho) then pick up the SA.

 

Personally, I'm sticking with my Z13 for now because, as Computer Cowboy put it best, (paraphrasing): "it's the best laptop ever made!" But I really don't want it to be my primary traveling machine because much of what I love about it is its classy aesthetics, and I am convinced I would soon add too many scratches and dents if I slung it around on my typical business trips.

Thus, I need to buy ultraportable #2 for durability, though, spoiled as I am, I want most of the virtues of the Z, but will sacrifice aesthetics and some amount of screen quality in exchange for durability, updated components (SB, msata, 6gbs SATA, etc) and price (see below). Increasingly inescapable conclusion: Thinkpad X220. Yes, they are barkin-ugly, but are at least fully acceptable in all circles (just squint your eyes when you look at it yourself, lol) and the screen resolution is a come-down, plus I have not seen a definitive test of the color gamut and accuracy, though people giving qualitative reviews seem to regularly use terms like "beautiful colors of the IPS display," as if IPS technology improves color space - I thought it mostly improved viewing angles so the best color/contrast is available from virtually any angle, but that it isn't better because it is IPS. Am I wrong about that? Anyone know how the color accuracy/gamut on the x220 IPS display holds up to the Z 900p?

Everything else about the X200 seems to shout: "I'm what you need, even if I'm not really what you want!" And yes, I do resent the loss of style, brilliant screen, discrete gpu and, for my uses, on board DVD. But given the X220's SB power, msata slot, 6gbs SATA, battery life (nowhere near as long as initial PR and media lapdog reports, but 6 hrs on 6 cell and 8+ on 9cell is fine). And I have to admit I'm curious to see if that Thinkpad "mystique" has merit when you use one every day, but here's the main reason it is a no-brainer for me, at least while keeping my Z:

$878 shipped! That's for a base, thoroughly acceptable Core i5 2410 version. $1,120 gets you a "loaded" Core i7 with 2 yr ADH and most "extras" Lenovo charges for (BT, camera, 9V battery, Intel 6201 wifi but no SSD or GOBI, at least for now). To get a comparably equipped SA instead, you gotta really want to game - on a 13" laptop with an ugly screen - or have $700-$900 to spare for a better looking - but far from Z-class caliber style - laptop if what you mainly need a "working" rig that's light, powerful and versatile. And my own advice to others if you love the Z and wish you could update it and perhaps have it be more durable, consider my approach: a refurb Z for $999 + an X220 for around $1,000. I think that get's you the same virtues as a loaded up SA - though split between 2 machines (eg, great screen on one, SB cpu and related components on the other), but then again, you have two great computers for the price of one! For some, that's like having two left thumbs, but for me a "spare" can be useful in numerous situations - one is on the fritz and don't have time to troubleshoot, need/want to lend one to colleague or family member, call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first!) but, I kinda like the idea of mixing it up in terms of the very different feel of the two, kinda like having a new Subaru SUV (the Thinkpad) and a used, but still near-perfect BMW Z4 (pure coincidence on the model name!).

I have been quoted saying "I wouldn't be caught dead using a Thinkpad!" but I have not imminent plans to leave this earth - with or without my uggy black rubber lappy. Oh, and, sorry for such a long post, even for me, but I have been agonizing over this for some time and I have really thought it through and I feel at least some, if not all of my observations/considerations apply to many others. If not, let me know and I will be more restrained going forward.