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    SR series vs. Lenovo U330?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by m3m3m3, Dec 8, 2008.

  1. m3m3m3

    m3m3m3 Newbie

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    Hi

    I'm new to the forums and I'm in the market for a new laptop to replace my 2 yr old sony sz.

    Just wanted to hear what people's thoughts are comparing these two laptops. Thanks
     
    m3m3m3, Dec 8, 2008
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  2. rmeas12

    rmeas12 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I recently was looking at both of these laptop too. I decided on the SR290. One because i got it for about 925 dollars( with the Black friday deal online with sony, also the student discount. :D). Just waiting on it for it to be built and delivered, it was back ordered.

    I like the look of the SR290 over the u330. I checked out both laptops at frys and was more impressed by the SR. I thought the u330 was TOO shiny lol.
     
    rmeas12, Dec 8, 2008
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  3. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    They are similar weight and have similar screens.

    SR has better battery life but the U330 has switchable graphics.
     
    Phil, Dec 8, 2008
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  4. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    I considered both of these also...

    I think the U330 uses ddr3 sdram, while the SR uses ddr2.
    The U330 has an Ati HD3450 and Intel X4500 Integrated. (switchable graphics). the SR: ati HD3470 -or- Intel integrated 4500MHD.
    The U330 has a 6-in-1 multicard reader while the SR has a sony memory stick and a SDHC sd card reader.
    the SR has a fingerprint reader.
    the SR come with vista home prem. x64. not sure if the U330 is x64.
    the SR's dvd-rw drive is dual layer. - again not sure about the U330.
    the U330 has the "frameless" gloss screen.
    The U330's 3yr extended warranty with accidental damage is cheaper than sonys.
     
    Primes, Dec 8, 2008
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  5. Lattice

    Lattice Notebook Evangelist

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    You may also want to check the U330 owners' thread for an update. I've heard of some general build quality issues with parts of the frame/hinge, but I can't remember as I read it a couple months ago.

    SR also have better CPU than U330, but it shouldn't make too big of a difference unless you run CPU-intensive programs.
     
    Lattice, Dec 8, 2008
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  6. m3m3m3

    m3m3m3 Newbie

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    Thanks for the info guys! Based on the info, I'm leaning toward the SR.

    Anyone know of a good deal? I need a laptop asap since my sz is dead. Thanks!
     
    m3m3m3, Dec 8, 2008
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  7. Sir Punk

    Sir Punk Notebook Deity

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    I am bumping this. I read the U330 all I noticed was low battery life, and someone talking about being warm.

    which of the two runs cooler?

    any known issue with the SR?
     
    Sir Punk, Dec 12, 2008
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  8. PointZero

    PointZero Notebook Enthusiast

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    SR has some battery issues, specifically with power drain and incorrect time estimates. Check the active thread about it for more details.
     
    PointZero, Dec 12, 2008
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  9. Xotica

    Xotica Notebook Consultant

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    Some bits on the the U330-gathered from here, lenovo forums, and personal experience:
    -I don't think that U330 has a heating problem at all. Lenovo/IBM in my experience have excellent heat management.
    -U330 on integrated graphics gets about the same battery life as the SR on dedicated graphics.
    -Battery problems on U330 seem to be software related. The computer will draw 2x the amount of power after resuming from hibernation. Lenovo is aware of this problem and is working on it.
    -Build problems on the U330 seem to be contained to machines manufactured before October and as far and as I know these issues have been resolved.
    -I am not sure if there are ridiculous wait times for this laptop anymore but previously many of use waited over a month before our machine shipped.
     
    Xotica, Dec 12, 2008
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