SZ230 or Thinkpad T60

Im a full-time student and need something portable. I was all set on buying the SZ230 P/B but when I went in to check it out yesterday, I was disappointed with the build of the computer. The hardware that comes with the SZ is amazing, but the structure is flimsy. The CD-rom seems like its going to fall out, the keyboard presses in deeply, the battery pack jiggles, and all this worries me when Im going to bring it to class everyday. The carbon-body 230P/C looks nicer and sturdier, but its $450 more right now. I was thinking about making a drastic change to the Lenovo T60 which is known for its durability. Although all computers have their flaws, how serious are these structural problems with Sony? Any advice please?

 

if you can afford it, and don't need the lack of great gfx cards not available on thinkpads, they're the best laptops around.
if you need good gfx, the best are Asus.
forget sony

 

I suggest that you go for the Thinkpad T60. Its has better build quality and is more durable than the Sony. Besides, the Sony is quite pricey.

 

I don't think the SZ series is supposed to be known for serious structural problems - was this a store demo model or something? Sometimes the laptops on display at stores take a serious beating, so that could be the cause of a lot of what you noticed (the "jiggling battery" problem has been with the S-series for a while, but it is easily solved by just sticking some velcro in there to prevent the jiggling).

 

I'd be curious what Asus has that is comparable to the SZ series though (in terms of form factor, weight, and the ability to switch between intel integrated graphics and the geforce 7400). From my research at least (and from owning a Vaio S360), they seem to be pretty unique in terms of the power you get in the form factor.

 

Hmm..well you do post this in the Sony forum...But since it seems you carry a lot of complaints about the SZ about how flimsy it is...I'd go with the IBM computer.

 

Seems there was a post that there was an extra latch somewhere on the Sony that if not engaged left the battery jiggling. I could be wrong.

 

The Thinkpads might be sturdier but you shouldn't have a problem with the SZ either. There aren't any major structural flaws on the SZ, the keyboard needs getting used to for some people though.

If you need to carry it every day I would go for the Sony simply because it's lighter and still more powerful (graphics wise) than the Lenove. I also doubt the Lenovo will be much cheaper with similiar specs.

 

Asus w7j would be the direct competitor of the sony, ones that are a little bigger would be the Asus a8jm and the Asus w3j

 

im currently trying to make the same decision. its hard.

Actually, you can get a T60 with the ATI x1400 or the ATI FireGL V5200 with the 14.1" screen, so you can have a solid gpu in both of the computers.

In terms of price, Ive found that with the specs I want, the SZ is $1550 and the T60 is $1599 so there isnt a big difference in price either...god its a tough choice.