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    Sony Laptops (AR11s / AR21s)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by KBWOLF, Sep 9, 2006.

  1. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all, as you know the AR11s is out in the shops, well i went in today to purchase it, then i was told it has been updated to the Sony AR21s which wont be out till Mid October..... does anyone know anything about the AR21s???? and how is it different from the Sony AR11s.... thanks
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 9, 2006
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  2. Reize

    Reize Notebook Virtuoso

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    Most likely just upgraded the CPU to Core 2 Duo, that's what everyone else is doing.
     
    Reize, Sep 9, 2006
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  3. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    Cool!!! :D

    :mad: I hope not, I'm hoping for an earlier release date (i.e. mid-September)...

    I ran a Froogle UK search for the AR21S and unfortunately, it's being listed without a Core 2 Duo processor, but with 2GB of RAM. :(
     
    SebHoll, Sep 10, 2006
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  4. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey, I am itching for this laptop, (AR21s) , been looking into it some sites say it will be a T2700 instead of a T2500 processor. also 2GB ram as well as better graphics card. i dont know, keep posting, hope it comes out soon..
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 12, 2006
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  5. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    It better have a core 2 duo processor......
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 12, 2006
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  6. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    was onto sony today, the due date is October 5th
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 12, 2006
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  7. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yay - thanks for letting us know! Did you find out if it is definitely going to have Core 2 Duo?

    I can't wait!!!
     
    SebHoll, Sep 13, 2006
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  8. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    by the looks of things i dont think it will have a core 2 Duo
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 13, 2006
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  9. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    How did you find out the release date? Would you be able to confirm the lack of Core 2 Duo using the same method?

    I e-mailed Sony a while back (in August) when Core 2 Duo had only just come out, and they said that Sony were going to be adding the Core 2 Duo to the AR11S series, but heard no other information other than that. I really, really want the AR21S to have Core 2 Duo, otherwise I might have to switch to another model that does have it...


    Thanks
     
    SebHoll, Sep 14, 2006
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  10. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    seems like sony has a slight history of releasing older tech (Pentium M on the FJ series and now the N series and CD). overpriced, underspecd...sorry.

    this is probably another laptop like that...espeically if it releases with ONLY CD in OCTOBER
     
    Greg, Sep 14, 2006
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  11. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    i could ring them and find out, was looking a bit more into Core 2 Duo VS Duo, the result was not all that better, so whatever the AR21s has, im going to go for it. some other sites state that it will have the Core 2 Duo. i guess will have to ring them to find out or hang on another week.
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 14, 2006
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  12. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    KBWOLF, Sep 14, 2006
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  13. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    If I remember correctly, Core 2 Duo has 4MB of Cache (Core Duo has 2MB), models above 1.83Ghz have 64-bit support (which Core Duo doesn't) and they use less battery for the same amount of power that Core Duo gives. All 3 make Core 2 Duo a lot better, and a lot more future proof.
     
    SebHoll, Sep 15, 2006
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  14. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    i agree, thats what i thought, but i saw on some link, that when compared there was n oreal diff..
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 15, 2006
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  15. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    SebHoll, Sep 15, 2006
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  16. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    yes bi..... were in business
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 17, 2006
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  17. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    right, now the next problem is, that there are no sony laptop cases available for this laptop, i have a friend who purchased the leather laptop case that is meant to fit the AR11s, guess what? the case was an inch short.

    after a follow up with sony, sony states that there is no sony laptop case to fit this laptop (AR11s/AR21s) does anyone have any views on this?
     
    KBWOLF, Sep 20, 2006
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  18. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    After contacting Sony Style about the availability of the AR21S, they say that the will be receiving delivery of them within the next few working days, and will be available for standard order then. :)

    However, other websites that are £200 cheaper, are listing the AR21S as being released on the 29th October. :confused:
     
    SebHoll, Oct 7, 2006
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  19. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    hey, yea, i think it is the 12th.. of October
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 9, 2006
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  20. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    The day has come: the AR21S has been released on a few websites in the UK now for immediate delivery. :) I've ordered mine tonight from Dabs:

    http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=48PF

    It's £200 cheaper than SonyStyle, who are probably going to update their stock tomorrow.
     
    SebHoll, Oct 11, 2006
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  21. Focca

    Focca Notebook Geek

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    Hey does anyone know where i can buy the mobile core 2 duo processors? Have an ar11s and wouldnt mind upgrading to core 2 duo, thanks
     
    Focca, Oct 12, 2006
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  22. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry i cant answer that question, but ill have a look.

    THE GOOD NEWS, i ordered my AR21s on Monday and ill have it tomorrow Friday, cant wait. this laptop needs extra speakers so i also have arriving tomorrow the logitech z-5500, i smell a good day.
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 12, 2006
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  23. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    right lads, the laptop has arrived, well impressed, love it. there is one thing tho, i thought the screen was sharper???? seems cloudy???. is it me? get back to me on that?
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 13, 2006
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  24. SebHoll

    SebHoll Notebook Enthusiast

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    Got mine today too! Really nice screen and brilliant build quality! Fantastic!
     
    SebHoll, Oct 13, 2006
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  25. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    Odered my AR21s cant wait to get it, getting it VAT free aswell so only £1500 :rolleyes:
     
    Oli, Oct 14, 2006
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  26. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi There
    I am someone else who is dying to pick up an Ar21S and become an adopter of BLU RAY

    BUT

    then i say on MICRO ANVIKA
    that it doesn't play Blu Ray Video

    http://www.microanvika.com/sony/product.asp?TXT=INFO&PNO=SON14914

    WTF?!?!

    Can anyone confirm about the Blu RAy drive and whether its OK to play bought Blu Ray DVD's as i was hoping to get one and use it hooked up to my Plasma's HDMI socket!

    Thanks!!
     
    davidandrews, Oct 15, 2006
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  27. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    PS
    Sorry
    Forgot to ask
    Are there any reviews of the 21S yet?
    Hope you guys are going to share some pics that have been lucky enought ot get one!
    Found plenty for its predecessor but not this one! And at last 2GB Ram - Sony has finally learnt !
     
    davidandrews, Oct 15, 2006
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  28. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    I see what you mean, where its says "blu-ray data discs (not videos)" but i am sure thats wrong, i am not getting mine delivered until the 23rd so i cant post any pics etc... yet. Though the laptop itself is identical in looks to the other AR's i am pretty sure.
     
    Oli, Oct 15, 2006
    #28
  29. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    HI Oli
    I am thinking its a mistake, but I intend on ringing Micro Anvika, as these guys are supposed to know their Sony's!

    I will be pissed if it is data only as their sales thing states

    Bet you are excitd for the 23rd?

    Thanks

    DA
     
    davidandrews, Oct 15, 2006
    #29
  30. Kakalaki

    Kakalaki Newbie

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    I am sure it is just a Typo. I am looking at purchasing the AR290 The US version is similar to the AR21's you are buying. It's Blu-Ray drive reads movies and even comes with a Blu-Ray movie to watch on the machine when you open the box. I would assume that they are using the same Blu-Ray drive in all of there machines. I doubt sony would make different versions of a Blu-Ray drive, it doesn't make economic sense. Here is the link to the US AR290...

    http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_AR_Series&ProductSKU=VGNAR290G&TabName=specs&var2=

    Hope this helps
     
    Kakalaki, Oct 16, 2006
    #30
  31. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    Hey guys check out these pics of the AR's (and sony laptops in general) they are from loads of angles and such good quality!

    The Pics.... :p
     
    Oli, Oct 17, 2006
    #31
  32. Focca

    Focca Notebook Geek

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    I was told the drive was data reading only after i handed £2000 cash by the staff at the sony center in leeds, i thought to myself "these guys dont know what the **** they are talking about!" i told them ill take my chances, got home, fired up a bluray movie on the preinstalled intervideo windvdbd software (after firmware and software updates) and it worked straight up, no ****ing about. Buy it and dont wory, trust me.
     
    Focca, Oct 18, 2006
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  33. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    Does blu-ray still stutter slightly at times on the AR's or has that been fixed??
     
    Oli, Oct 18, 2006
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  34. Focca

    Focca Notebook Geek

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    It is completely fixed!
     
    Focca, Oct 18, 2006
    #34
  35. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    Thats awsome! :D
     
    Oli, Oct 18, 2006
    #35
  36. buzzerxx

    buzzerxx Newbie

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    What have you done with the ar11s?
     
    buzzerxx, Oct 19, 2006
    #36
  37. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    sory lads, for the delay, iv been busy with my 21s, yes blue ray does play movies : )
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 21, 2006
    #37
  38. Focca

    Focca Notebook Geek

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    I still have it!!, What a beautiful machine!! just trying to find out where to buy a c0re2duo mobile processor for it
     
    Focca, Oct 22, 2006
    #38
  39. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Focca!!
    Thats amazing, i am insanely jealous!
    Fancy doing a quick review for us?

    Is it a multi region drive? There seems to be quiet a bit about being connected to the interent whilst viewing dvd movies!

    where are you planning on getting your Blu Ray Discs from?

    Thanks

    :)
     
    davidandrews, Oct 23, 2006
    #39
  40. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    davidandrews, Oct 23, 2006
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  41. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    cool, nice one, ill do a review one of these days, soon. still playing around with it, and some more playing to do before i can comment.. overall, im very happy, it may be on the big size but thats something you can get usto, for the overall quality, the keyboard is very very nice.
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 23, 2006
    #41
  42. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks KB Wolf, I will wait here with baited breath.
    I don't mind the size, I got the A297XP model which was a 17" for the 1900 resolution ( a web designers dream !) All that screen space.

    This one i was wanting to be able to connect by HDMI to my LCD, and if it comes with unlimited multiregion access then YAHOO!!!

    i understand its predessor was multi regiion (the ar11s)
     
    davidandrews, Oct 23, 2006
    #42
  43. Oli

    Oli Newbie

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    Got my AR21S yesterday :p :p :p :p wot a good looking laptop it is, i'm also very happy with it and will post more about it once i have used it a bit more :D
     
    Oli, Oct 25, 2006
    #43
  44. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    HI oli
    Sat here waiting with baited breath!!

    Make me as jealous as you want.......
     
    davidandrews, Oct 25, 2006
    #44
  45. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lads, as you know Windows Vista is on its way out, would it be a good idea to upgrade to this?? would it be better for the laptop, or would it slow the laptop down??
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 27, 2006
    #45
  46. spiderkhan

    spiderkhan Newbie

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    Focca,

    Have you determined that the olderAR's will support the Core2 processor? I haven't seen a bios update that addresses this on the sony website.
     
    spiderkhan, Oct 27, 2006
    #46
  47. patayloruk

    patayloruk Newbie

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    Hi all
    I am living in Germany and ordered an AR21S a couple of weeks ago, still no news on delivery date. I bought the docking station as well as a larger battery.

    Could someone tell me if you can have TWO external monitors as well as the laptop display at the same time? (extending the desktop)
     
    patayloruk, Oct 28, 2006
    #47
  48. davidandrews

    davidandrews Notebook Enthusiast

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    HI Oli
    Any thoughts on the Dream Machine yet?
     
    davidandrews, Oct 30, 2006
    #48
  49. Focca

    Focca Notebook Geek

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    Ill be trying this soon as i have the ar11s and the docking station however atm i cannot get my aplle 23" cinema display working via the dvi port on the docking station which is strange, maybe only the vga port works on the docking station or maybe Apple Displays just dont work with the Vaios

    Edit: Just tried the ACD with my s2xp and docking station and i get the same result, maybe its just apple displays...shame.
     
    Focca, Oct 30, 2006
    #49
  50. KBWOLF

    KBWOLF Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Focca, since you have the 11s and the 21s, is there a difference between performance, if so in what areas?
     
    KBWOLF, Oct 31, 2006
    #50
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