Sony C Series

Anybody here who has a Sony C Series feel like giving their thoughts, pros, cons, etc on it? There just aren't enough good reviews to my liking to get a good sense.
I like the look and feel and I'm deciding between this and an HP dv6000t.

Thanks!

 

Have you also gone to a retail store to try one out for yourself? Remember that this is a 13.3" notebook and the DV6000T is a 15.4" notebook, pretty big difference if you ask me.

 

Yes I have, I like it, at least from a physical standpoint. It's more about price point and brands, i'm good with either 13 or 15 inch.

 

I did a review of the VAIO C here:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3390&Review=Sony+VAIO+C

There's a lot of discussion on this forum too, I highly recommend doing a Search on "VAIO C" within this forum to dig for that information. (use the quotes when doing the search).

Here's one very active thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=84381&highlight=VAIO+C

 

okay, one question though, physically, are the current C series models (C240, C291, etc) exactly the same as the previous ones (C140, C1900)? obviously the specs are more advanced as time goes on, and color choices now, but like the screen, keyboard, and physical build, there weren't any updates were there?

 

As far as I know, only things like the processor, ram, hard drive, OS, etc. have changed, not the chassis itself or anything like that.

 

metrOman, I am in the same case as you, I currently have problems with my desktop. I wanted to change and buy a Sony vaio c, but so far I have heard many physical problems wiht this computer sur as the left part of the space bar, and the static noise in the speakers.

I was wondering also if the new C240, etc... have those problems fixed or not.

I would be very disapointed if sony take too long to fix thoses problems, because other than that, this notebook look really good.

Jean

 

i've found the same thing, looking over past threads. In addition to the space bar and static noise, there are multiple reports of weird sounds coming from the HD and when scrolling, as well as an extremely loose battery. Just a multitude of physical problems - which is too bad, since it seems like such a cool notebook.

 

That is correct, build-wise it is precisely the same, I confirmed with Sony when they released the C200 series that they are the same casing with different internal components.

 

The C140 device manager shows it has BT but I have been unable to use it or turn it on.

 

I was in a similar situation deciding between the Sony C, SZ and HP dv2000. I bought the HP because of the 14" screen. I found the 14" to be a perfect balance between portability and usage.

There is more room on the 14" vs the 13.3".

 

Just recently got a CTO VGN-C290 for the wife from SonyStyle.com. Its in Seashell Silver and after a week of use, it's pretty nice. Yes.. It's a tad thick & heavy for a 13" notebook, but it doesn't bother my wife too much.

One thing I do notice is the static noise coming out of the left side speaker. It's not noticable if you have the TV on, but in a silent room, you definitely can hear it.

Pros
Solidly built, nice screen, good keyboard, runs cool, and love having the built-in bluetooth.

Cons
Slightly thick and heavy for a portable 13" notebook, only 2 USB ports, poor location of USB port, static noise from speaker

Verdict
Overall, I'd give it a B+

 

I got one for my wife. I really want to like this machine because its very Macbook-like in terms of size and feel. But it just falls short in a few important catagories.

-Trackpad is odd. I feel like mine is defective because i've owned around 20 laptops and it just feels too sensetive all the time

- Heavy/Bulky. I thought my Macbook was too heavy for a 13" but this one is even worse. I have no idea why its so thick.

- Screen. This is my only real gripe. The viewing angle on it is horrible. Shift a bit off center and the screen loses its brightness. In fact, even when sitting directly in front of the screen you can see the edges are fading just a bit because of that viewing angle.

Overall, I think its a good machine but its not great. And definitely not worth the pricetag they put on it. But then again my wife doesnt seem to have any of the complaints i have so maybe its me just being spoiled with having so many good notebooks in the past.