Sony CA 14" CB 15" series discussion

I am thinking about getting the CA model. how does it compare with the HP envy 14"??

 

The Vaio Z 13.1" has a 1080p option... and comes standard with a 1600x900...

 

Here in Europe you can configure the CA model with optional 1600x900 screen.
https://shop.sony.co.uk:443/shop/ipc/displayLayout/(cScrollCharGroupName=%24BASE_GROUP&citemarea=4D666E441694015EE10080002BC29BDE&cInstId=1&layout=25_173_74_75_77_78_79_80_82_91_92_141&cCharName=C1000000009_CA1&next=config&carea=%24ROOT&order=&citem=4D666E441694015EE10080002BC29BDE4D3D357817050073E10080022BC29B74&xcm=PCM_b2ccrmstandard&Z_OMNI_CSINT=14000017&cCharGroupName=%24BASE_GROUP&isHideActive=)/.do

I like the orange color!! I am very interested in display quality / gamut for mobile photo workflow...

Cheers, Walter

 

I'm curious too.

The 1600x900 used on the Sony CW I5 versions was one of the most horrendous screens I had the mis-fortune of using. I was one of the first to snatch one up in January of last year and I was glad to be rid of it. Just terible.

 

BTW its back to Sony's XBRITE ECO LCD screens in the CA/CB.

 

Anyone making the move for the CA series? It looks like a nice package for the price, especially if the higher resolution screen is of good quality.

Also, any thoughts on how tough it would be to upgrade the hard drive to an SSD? How about the RAM? I'd like to go with an SSD and 8GB of RAM, but the $200 Sony is asking for the memory upgrade is a little steep.

 

VAIO 15.5" C Series PC | Sony | SonyStyle USA

Now available in the US. It looks like a pretty good notebook for the money, especially the 15.5 inch CB series with 1080p display.

 

Typical Sony laptops are pretty easy to change RAM and hard drive on. I'm seriously considering the CA as well, pending on if they downclock the the 6630M. I would take the default 4 GB of RAM and just buy a 8 GB kit from Newegg/Fry's/Micro Center for $80 and upgrade it yourself.

 

Good to know, thanks - that's what I was thinking of doing. This computer with a 1600x900 display, 8GB of RAM, an SSD, and USB 3.0 external hard drive would make for a pretty slick photo editing laptop. Maybe not quite as nice as the 15" MBP, but also not quite as expensive...

 

I agree, the 1600x900 used on the Sony CW I5 versions was one of the most horrendous screens I have ever seen. I had to have the motherboard replaced as well. I still have it but will most likely try to sell it and get a Vaio CA or Vaio SB. I am a little leery of Sony displays since the CW, though. I hope to see some reviews first.

 

Vaio CB series review

Sony VAIO CB Series (VPCCB15FG) - reviews - Notebooks - All Purpose - Good Gear Guide

 

I'm curious as heck though how easy it is to replace the screen.

The XPS 14 has an atrocious 14" 1366x768 lcd that people have upgraded in this thread here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...cial-swapping-xps-14-l401x-screen-thread.html

They replaced it themselves with an Lg panel for $87 bucks that is reportedly stellar.

Damn shame too with these 14" laptops since there apparently IS a solid and cheap option out there for these manufacturer to use yet 99% of them choose to use garbage panels.

 

I just pre-ordered the customized sony vaio CA 14 inch laptop:

Product: US-VPCCA190X-LBOM
Component: Blu-ray Disc™ Player
Component: High capacity battery
Component: AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
Component: No Fresh Start
Component: Norton Internet Security™ 2011 (30 Day Trial)
Component: Sony® Imagination Studio™ Suite
Component: 6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
Component: Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor (2.30GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.90GHz
Component: 500GB Hard Drive (7200rpm)
Component: Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter (Click More Info for details.)
Component: Black
Component: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Component: 14" VAIO Display with LED backlight (1600 x 900)
Per Unit Price: $1,124.99
Quantity: 1
Total Price: $1,124.99
Description: VPCCA190X Configure-to-Order
Ship Method: Expedited
Estimated Ship Date: 03/29/2011
Extended Service Plan: 3 Year Express Ship Service Plan with ADH for Laptops (Sony Recommends)
Price: $251.99



Subtotal: $1,376.98
Tax:$96.40
Shipping Charges:$0.00

Order Total:$1,473.38

What do you think about this deal? Is the 3 year service plan worth it? I chose this laptop for : sandy bridge processor, intel wi-di, blu-ray player and hi-def webcam. Hope its worth the 1.5 grand.

 

It's too bad the CB doesn't have quad core options. Does anyone have any thoughts on the 1080p screen v the 1080p screen on the XPS 15? I'm down to those two at this point if I give up a quad core proc as a req.

Thanks!

 

Heres a review of the CA :

Sony Vaio CA Review - Gadget Reviews, News

 

Review seems suspect with no pictures or anything but a few cursory commentaries.

 

Quad core i7's in the XPS 15 are reportedly producing a lot of heat.
i5-2540M available for the CB is more than sufficient for most purposes unless you want hardcore gaming.

Regarding the screen, I've noticed that the XPS 15 screen is very good but also very reflective, almost like a mirror. Vaio screens are not that reflective.

 

I preordered mine just now. Granted I could've gotten an M15X for $1,300 with 1st gen i7 and GTX 460M graphics, but I love 14" screens and I'm not a huge gamer. I just like to game once in a while. Plus this has USB 3.0 and some nifty features I can use with my 46" Sony XBR9.

My config:
* Intel® Core™ i5-2540M processor (2.60GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.30GHz
* 320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)
* Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter (Click More Info for details.)
* Green
* Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
* 14" VAIO Display with LED backlight (1600 x 900)
* CD/DVD Player / Burner
* High capacity battery
* AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
* Fresh Start
* No additional AntiVirus Software
* Sony® Imagination Studio™ Suite
* 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333

Total with tax: $1,497.59

I got the 5400rpm HD because it won't be long before I upgrade to SSD. SSD combined with the Fresh Start will make for insanely quick bootups! I haven't bought a laptop since 2006 so I decided to go all out with this sexy computer.

 

Just placed the pre-order -

My config:
* Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor (2.30GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.90GHz
* 320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)
* Lightning White
* Genuine Windows® 7 Home 64-bit
* 14" VAIO Display with LED backlight (1600 x 900)
* Blu-Ray Reader
* High capacity battery
* AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB VRAM) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
* 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333

Total Cost (Tax & Shipping Included): $1147.56
Discover Card Cash Back: $57.38 (5%)
Net Cost: $1090.18

Upgrade Plans -
SSD
RAM if needed

Accesories To Buy -
Netgear Push2TV HD

 

Sony-asia.com has 14" CA models with i7 and sony-style didn't make those available

 

ya thats a good config for the price. I am also waiting on netgear ptv 2000. any idea on when its supposed to release?

 

I was so keen to place an order for a CB, but no i7's, let alone quads? There must be an upcoming model other than the 3D F that will include and i7 Quad.

 

I'm thinking about cancelling. slickdeals has the quad edition HP DV6 for cheap. Check these specs:
# Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
# 2nd generation Intel(R) Quad Core(TM) i7-2820QM (2.3 GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) w/Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz
# 1GB Radeon(TM) HD 6770M GDDR5 Graphics [HDMI, VGA]
# 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
# 640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

all for $1234.99 shipped. $260 cheaper than the C-series I preordered, highest quadcore available, DDR5 video card. Seems like a MUCH better deal...only thing that ruins it for me is the low resolution display...

 

The display is worth a lot, 768p on a 15" is criminal IMHO. Still don't understand HP's decision to not offer a higher resolution option. Oh well, no high res, no purchase. I wouldn't even be considering the CA if the 1600x900 wasn't an option.

 

Yep, for me the FHD display and backlit keyboard are more important than the quad core processor. You won't notice much difference in processing power other than under the most demanding situations.

In fact the i5-2540M beats many first gen quad core i7's and matches a few 2nd gen i7's in benchmark tests!

Intel Core i5 2540M Notebook Processor - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

^ the 3Dmark and PCmark results are amazing. I am sticking with the little green giant i5 from sony. Should last 4 or 5 years. Hope I don't kick myself for not buying into i7 and DDR5 graphics.

 

just saw they removed that ridiculous $50 extra which was only for the neon green color. schweet!

 

Hello
would this be a better choice than Sony Z and MBP 13 ?

and would you vote for the higher processor and graphics card with green color ?

 

It really depends what you need/ want and your budget. If you're looking for the best bang for the buck the CA/CB series is probably the way to go. I you're looking for a no compromises/ lightweight machine go for the Z (although it uses last gen's chipsets. I don't think in real world performance it will make that much of a difference when compared to the CA's Sandy Bridge). If you want OSX go for the MBP.

 

So is the graphics card on this model downclocked? gddr5 or 3 memory. Anyone know?

 

You might kick yourself once you open the lid and see the screen. But I gotta admit, that 6770M looks tasty

 

New CA/CB series launched in Asia.
Tons of pics at the following links.

???????? 2011 VAIO ??? - Mobile01

[????]?2011 VAIO????? - Mobile01

[?????] ?VAIO??????????? - Mobile01

http://www.eprice.com.tw/nb/talk/1007/8361/

 

Thanks!
I like the greyish keys on the white model. But the CB series touchpad is a bit too much to the left side.

 

I hate that as well, but it's pretty standard these days.

 

DDR3

AMD Radeon HD 6630M - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

I have a bad feeling it is. The review on the CB got 6400 points on 3DMark06. Dell's recently released Vostro 3550 has a 6630M as well but it's getting 7500 points. Granted the Dell in question has a faster processor (2620M), but it shouldn't add ~1100 points.

 

Edit: double post.

 

The GPU is most probably underclocked.

 

Hi Billu77,
How did you get this price? If I configure the CA with your specs w/o the warranty it comes out to $1249...how was your base price $1125? Did you use some coupon?

-Sri.

 

I work at a University which is a part of EPP. So I got a 7% off the MSRP but the catch is that you have to take minimum 3 year warranty/in-home service option.

 

I gotta admit... I hated the colors but now I'm starting to really like that orange one. I hope when someone gets one of these they can do some thermal readings idle and under load with Prime95 and furmark.

 

I am not sure, it can be the difference in resolution. I assume CB review used the standard 1280x1024 resolution, whereas I believe that Vostro used 1280x768. Vostro has 1366x768 screen, and most review sites don't bother attaching external monitor for 3Dmark. Besides, the whole point of ATI having fine-grained lineup this round is so that manufacturers do not have to manipulate clock speeds as seen with 5650. Additionally, clockspeeds of 6630 are equivalent of "underclocked" 5650 already.

Oh well, 3Dmark06 is pretty poor yardstick for modern games anyway -- it doesn't tax shaders at all.

Yeah, I think Orange ones look pretty nice, even though these aren't something I want to show off every day.

 

Wish the screen's nice.
Just saw that 1920*1080 in Sony Vaio VPC-F13L8E/H has disappointing quality.

 

CA and F13L8E both have VAIO Display, quality would be the same. CB has VAIO Display Plus, which is a lot better.

 

They rate the EB4 screen better than the F13L screen

Review Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ (FHD) Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

Sony calls the FHD CB display as "Vaio Premium display"

VAIO 15.5" C Series PC | Sony | SonyStyle USA

But they don't use the word "Premium" in the case of CA

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...0151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644768003

 

That premium display is a CTO option on CB, not a standard feature.

 

It's out! First informative CA's review.
It reportedly scored 6999 in 3Dmark06, 69 celcius in furmark test.
Lasted about one and a half hour in stress test, maximum brightness and cpu, also their pretty air vent temperature test, 49 celcius.
No words about display quality though. Nice review, however.

I also have handed on both of CA and CB. It's nicely build with somewhat chubby case and the lid which is questionably quite thick. Their circular gesture that supposed to scroll up/down the page doesn't function like I expected.
The orange and green models have their lid composited with illuminant, mostly look like phophorescence, glowing in the dark.

Still hoping for screen quality and, the most important, when it's shipped!

 

i asked one of the sony sales rep on Friday, he/she told me the new C series will be available on the 21st

 

hello, been a lurker for a few months researching VAIOs
(especially the E, S and C threads)

i'm another also pretty much decided to get the orange 15" (CB)
with, if possible in SonyStyle UK,
core i5 2540M,
Radeon 6630M,
1920x1080 LED backlit,
my current Toshiba laptop (just over 7 years old(!!)) has served me amazingly well


also some videos i found on youtube:

it gives a more nauanced look at the colours and transparency under
more day-to-day lighting, not in direct flashed images
orange looks fantastic, and the white one is brilliant too
(but i prefer to have not a white border around the screen)

"VAIO C series' 5 colour variations" filmed at Sony Store Osaka
YouTube - VAIO C?????5????????????
not too sure about some of the coordinated colour keyboard skins(!!), tho they show the CA and CB side-to-side

filmed at Sony Store Nagoya, new VAIO C Orange, Pink, Green designs
YouTube - C???? part?.mpg

filmed at Sony Store Nagoya, new VAIO C Black, White designs
YouTube - C???? part 2.mpg

ota-con who posted the Sony Taiwan C series press unveal, i noticed about 3rd of the way down (the 10th picture), got some naughty words in the background^_____^*