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    Sony VAIO - what config.?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Lukasz86, Jul 18, 2010.

  1. Lukasz86

    Lukasz86 Newbie

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    Hello.

    I am determined to buy a Sony VAIO laptop VPCEA290X.
    But I have a few questions about what configuration I should choose.
    Output is:
    i3-350M CPU 2.26GHz
    4 GB RAM
    320GB 5400rpm drive
    Graphics Intel GMA HD

    I can spend up to $200 for the upgrades - obviously I would like to upgrade everyting, byt not enough funds.
    So I'm wondering about:
    1. Does it make sense to pay extra $100 for i5-520M processor with TurboBoost or even $150 for i5-540M?
    2. I do not need a larger drive, but for $50 I can take the same, but 7200rpm - is it worth to?
    3. I use computer to grafics work (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), but sometimes would like to play - whether that integrated graphics is sufficient, or should I pay another $50 for a Radeon HD 5470? I've heard it's not the top class card for playing..?
    4. Last thing - battery - for me the laptop is primarily a portable computer. Sony says that the standard battery holds up to 3.5 h, and larger one up to 5h. It costs $100.

    So overall I was wondering whether to leave CPU i3, take a faster drive, Radeon and battery, or maybe: Faster CPU and battery, or third option - to leave the standard battery and invest in both the CPU i5, and the faster drive and Radeon?

    I would be very grateful for your feedback.
     
    Lukasz86, Jul 18, 2010
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  2. Firestone

    Firestone Notebook Consultant

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    if u can spend $200 for upgrade, i think its more worth to get
    - i5-520M for extra $100
    - upgrade to 7200rpm for extra $50
    - upgrade to Radeon for extra $50

    I have a vaio EA series as well... i would say the batt life sux ... a standard batt last for approx 2 hrs in real-time usage and i doubt u can 4hrs for the large type... just get the charger and go along...

    since you do gfx work, u might want to take note that the screen is bad... glossy and kinda fade-off colours. do go to a shop and chck whether u can get used to it
     
    Firestone, Jul 18, 2010
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