Sony NW Series Questions

I'm seriously considering the NW series and I've read a lot of the good comments/reviews. However, as I'm shopping around I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me out with:

1) What is the method behind the model numbers? It seems every site I visit has NW100's, 200's, and 300's. Is there an easy way to translate that into the specs? Is the 300 sub-series any newer or "better" than the 100 and 200 sub-series? Glancing at the specs it seems very arbitrary and I want to make sure I'm not missing something.

2) Is now a good time to buy the NW series? From my research it appears the NW series was revealed early last summer. Do we expect any kind of facelift or "second gen" to come out soon? Any anticipated sales? I'm in no hurry to buy.

3) Is the BD combo worth it if you don't watch movies? I was just wondering if it might be good for laptop resale value in the future, or if software is going to start being sold on BD instead of DVD.

4) Which of the available processors for the NW series is the "best?" Is it worth the money?

5) Is there anything else I should consider before buying an NW? In summary, I'll be using this for internet/itunes/docs and I'm eying the pre-packaged configs in the $650-750 range.

Thanks!!!

 

1) The model numbers signify what production model it is. The higher the number, the more recent of a model it is. A higher model doesn't always translate to a "better" laptop.

2) I would wait till the end of January as there is potential for a newer model to come out soon. The new Core i3/i5/i7 processors came out recently, and the NW is due for a refresh. There are rumors that an "E series" will be coming out soon and it looks like it could be the successor to the NW.

3) BD players, as of now, are only really good for watching movies, so I wouldn't really worry about getting a BD combo unless you intend to use it. I don't see Bluray replacing the DVD's any time soon.

4) The T6600 seems to be standard on the NW's, but I believe the best processor that is available for this model is the P8700. It looks like for your needs (internet/itunes/docs), it won't make a huge difference

5) You may want to consider buying the CW if you want something similar to the NW, but more portable. The CW's were just refreshed and have the i3/i5 processors. It doesn't have the same aesthetic as the NW, but its definitely a solid computer.

 

That's really helpful, thanks!!!

BTW, I prefer the NW over the CW because portability isn't a priority and I like the 15.5" screen.

 

I went back and forth between the CW and NW for a couple months, like both but opted for the larger screen since portability wasn't an issue for me either. I actually ended up buying mine on eBay and got a good deal on an older production model (100 series that came out only like 6 months ago) with some upgraded specs (see below). So far I really like the NW and I don't think you will be disappointed. Let me know if you want to know where I got it on eBay.

 

Do you have any links for this "E series?" I did a search and came up empty. I'm curious what the rumors are.

 

i wanted to buy the NW model for my gf here in Australia, but unfortunately Sony store here said that it's a discontinued model... its a dam shame coz i really liked the look and feel of this NW model.. hope there are future models that look the same as this.