Sony A240

I just got this for a total of $1575...then 81 and 50 for shipping.
I'm a student and didn't need much in my laptop:
80GB
15.4 xbrite screen
512x2 RAM
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
Wireless card
the normal software additions....nothing fancy.

I'm sure this isn't as exciting as your laptops, but I was wondering what people's experiences are with the new A-series line. Any tips/tricks...especially when setting up a wireless network? any essential things i should know when configuring my sony when it arrives?

 

Wow! You did a lot better than me. I just ordered my Sony Vaio A240 directy from Sony for a whopping $2600. But I customized mine for 1GB ram, an 80GB 5400 rpm hard drive, the two year premium service plan, and added an extra battery and ac adapter.

Can't wait to receive it!

Dan

P.S. Where did you get yours? Maybe I should cancel my order and get one from your vendor.... When you say 512x2 ram, do you mean 1024 total, or 512 total using both slots?

 

I bought it direct from sony actually (www.sonystyle.com). I used a 10% coupon....here's the code:
CNETP10DAA01TJ8W80MTHJ7

Just copy and paste that in the coupon column on the left once you've added the notebook to your cart and it'll give you the discount.

Yes, it's a measly 512 total, but I don't do too many things that are labor intensive so I really didn't need the extra RAM. I figured I could always upgrade if I needed.
At any rate, I hope this helps. If anything, you'll be able to save $260 if you configure the same laptop as you posted earlier.
The coupon doesn't expire until Feb 2005 so you have a little while.

Take it easy, Dan.

 

Can anyone of you tell me more about the A series? How long does the battery last? Soccr247, you mentioned you are a student...do you carry it with you? Do you think it's too heavy? (Assuming you've received it by now). What kind of work will you be using your laptop?

Well, I'm debating whether I should get the A250 or the S260. I won't be using for work. I'm planning to go for a MBA next year so I will need it for school work.

I went to Sony store to check them out. I love the S260 but I think it's a bit too small (aside the fan noise problems). BTW, does the A series have the same noise problems?

I'm not planning to get the entertainment dock since I don't really have a lot of space in my apartment.

 

from what i saw, the s260 is just too small...assuming that you will need a mobile unit as a student, the a series is fine. If indeed you travel a lot and are constantly on the move from airport to airport, the s260 might be a better choice but if you will have the laptop stationary for the most part, just moving it around when you have to walk around campus or go to the library, the a series works just as well. And also, on a student budget, the a series blows the s series out of the water. i have never come across anything with the a series that involves the fan problem like the s-series, but i'll let you know when i get the laptop. the s serires is lighter of course, but unless you're on the road more than you're sitting down, you won't notice.
For me, the small screen on the s260 was a major turn off. Although it is an awesome computer, the s series just wasn't what i needed. The a series fit the bill, both financially and personally. also, that coupon ends 12.16.2004...and they're doing a free RAM upgrade right now on the A series at www.sonystyle.com so you'd get it even cheaper than i got mine with those added discounts.

 

Thanks. I think I will stick with the A250. I won't be traveling much and I will be using it mostly at home. BTW, I will be setting up a wireless network at home too as well. I have a cable modem connection and another desktop. I read an article on CNET about setting up the network so I think I will be OK.

When did you place your order? It seems that the A series is available for shipping same day. Hope you get yours soon.

Anyway, thanks a lot for the tip on the coupon [ ]
Will the coupon expire on Dec 16 or Feb 2005??? It's not really clear.

 

yea...sorry about that. I thought I had read somewhere it was Feb 2005, but I'm (almost) 100% positive that it's December 16, 2004. Hope everything works out.

 

I think they must have raised the price on the base unit in the day or two between when you ordered your A240 and when I ordered mine. I just went to sonystyle.com and customized the A240 according to your specs: i.e., the only things I added from the baseline were 512x2 ram, standard 80 GB hard drive, and the wireless LAN card. Made sure to uncheck the free printer via rebate option. Just the standard sw and warranty. Total price: $1969.99. Even subtracting the 10% discount only brings it to $1,773.

In short, you got a *great* deal!

Dan

 

Thanks.... I actually *did* use that coupon code when I ordered mine... still came to $2600 altogether. It's probably because I opted for the extra ram, the more expensive 5400 rpm 80 GB drive, an extra battery and ac adapter (the prices they charge for these two alone drive the price up $300) and the two year premium service package ($200). Add in the tax and the shipping (two day) and it makes for a pricey notebook.

I did opt for the cheapest drive: the standard CD-RW+DVD-ROM one. I wasn't sure if the DVD writers could also read CD's (probably can, but saw nothing written to that effect) and most of my sw is on CD's. Anyway, I almost canceled the order and changed that one thing, but then figured I can always get a USB DVD burner later if I find I need it.

Mine is still in the processing stage. Can't wait to receive it. I'm also curious about battery life and the amount of fan noise (hopefully, very little!).

Dan

Interesting... I just re-read your original post and see that you got the same drive but also the 1 GB (512 MB x 2) of RAM. Not sure what accounts for the price difference, then. Even adding the extra $500 for my battery, adapter and extended warranty only brings yours up to about $2,100. I sure didn't pay $500 in tax and shipping!

 

i got my laptop yesterday...fedex even delivered on time. i couldn't be happier with it. just what i need...nothing more, nothing less.