SZ120 or FE550?

Hi,
I'm in a dilema about which laptop to buy? I have a PCG-FR130 for the past 3 years and its been great, a bit heavy, but great. It's time for an upgrade, so I've been reading all the reviews on the two versions. They both sound and look awesome, I took a look at Best Buy. I am currently a graduate student majoring in Computer Science and lug my laptop with me everywhere in one of those rolling cases, so I guess weight isn't that great an issue. But I do work with many CPU and memory intensive programs and have many programs running concurrently. I use my computer at least 8-12 hours a day and now need eyeglasses to view the screen, so the screen size could be an issue. I also like to do some video editting on the side and play some games when I get time (never!). As you can see, my laptop is a very important element in my life. I also have several desktops that I built set up in my house for my other family members to use, but the laptop is mine and not to be touched. So it comes down to this:
SZ120: FE550:
1: better graphics card (NVIDIA 7400) 1: so-so graphics (INTEL 950)
2: weights less 4.1 lbs 2: weights more 6.2 lbs
3: better CPU (Duo T2400) 3: good CPU (Duo T2400)
4: biometric fingerprint sensor 4: bigger and brighter screen
5: bluetooth 5: bluetooth?
6: only 2 usb ports 6: 3 usb ports
7: ~ $2000 7: ~ $1600

I'm really need a little help making this decision. Can anyone give me some constructive advice please. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

I think you'd benefit from teh size and video card option, if you want to game much, in the SZ. It's a sweet little package. I think it's priced a little high, but that's what you get with Sony and the latest technology.

 

How big a hurry are you in? If you can wait a bit, why don't you customize the FE at Sonystyle.com (FE590) and get the NVIDIA 7400 card and bluetooth as well? Personally, I think the best things going for the SZ are the lower weight, longer battery life and the ability to switch between graphics cards. But if weight isn't a consideration and if you keep the unit plugged in rather than relying on a battery for those 8-12 hours a day, then perhaps it isn't necessary to spend the extra money for mobility?

 

Yes, I was just considering that. I am only hesitating since I read all the bad reviews about Sony's customer service. I also wanted to purchase a 3year service plan. I know from past experience with Best Buy (where I purchased my old Vaio) that they were excellent when it came to service. After 2 years they replaced my hard drive, keyboard, touchpad, CD/DVD drive, and battery and I didn't have to lay out a penny. I felt like I got a whole new laptop. If I purchase from Sony.com, how will there service be? Also, I went to Circuit City last night to look at both models again. They both looked great, except the SZ looked a little flimsy like it could break easily. That's why I was leaning towards the FE590. I still can't decide!

 

Oh yeah, I also liked the XBRITE - HiColor LCD screen on the FE better than the SZ which only has XBrite LCD.

 

The screen that I saw on the FE is essentially better than any screen I've seen on any notebook ever. That said, the SZ screens aint too shabby, especially for a 13.3 notebook.