Sony VAIO FE Questions

Hi guys,

I'm possibly thinking about buying a Sony VAIO FE, but I have a couple of questions.

First, how do you guys like the screen resolution. I know it is only 1280x800. Is this considerably worse than 1680x1050?

Second, I have heard conflicting reports on this system. Some people say the build quality of Sony computers is going out the window, while many others are pleased with the FE. So how is it really?

Thanks,
Jordan

 

I'm using 1280x800 at the monent and I think it's just fine. I kind of agree when you say the build quality of Sony is going down but not that worse than before. Sony notebooks are just not made that "Careful" as before.

 

im liking my fe better than all these new hp's and compaqs , nice n solid

 

I love my FE more than anything. I cant really comment on the build quality, because this is my first laptop and I have only had it for a week. Having said that, it seems solid and well put together. The screen is excellent; I think it is the perfect resolution. The only thing I do not like are the buttons under the touchpad. They make an overly audible click noise when depressed, and they require a bit more force than I like. Not to worry though, the matching bluetooth mouse is in the mail.

 

Thanks for the help. One more question. How do you think Sony computers in general compare to Dell computers? Would the VAIO FE be about equivalent to a Dell Inspiron E1505? I've used a Dell, but never a Sony, so I was wondering what you guys thought.

 

Yeap Its a good 15.4 inch notebook. You dont need high resolutions unless you are a heavy gamer or work with graphics heavily. But I got the 590, would have loved getting the 690 atleast with the 7600 instead of the 7400.
As far as dell goes I don't like them, they're too bulky, sony's look nicer

 

I'm wouldn't say I'm a heavy gamer, but I do like to play a few, most notably WoW. Will the lower resolution be quite noticeable when gaming?

 

So what do you guys think? Are Dells or Sonys generally built better. An E1505 vs. a Sony VAIO FE? What do u think?

 

If you got the cheddar than go with the sony fe790. Its about $200 more expensive but I think its worth it. I'm about to get this laptop myself.

 

hate to be the first non-positive comment, but I don't think the sony's that great.
I'm used to a higher resolution desktop monitor, so the wxga on the FE seems a bit low, because I do a lot of multitasking, and like to have multiple windows open simaltanuously.
The one thing I noticed at first is that the optical dvd drive ran really, uncomfortably loud when starting up.
It also does run a bit warm.
Sound quality is very low
touchpad buttons are a bit stiff.. clickity clackity

the screen resolution was really important to me in specific, but other than that.
Screen quality is extremely good, bright crisp.
And it ran smoothly, after managing all the bloatware...

 

Hi Guys,
In one or two places, I have seen it mentioned that the FE series has a magnesium chassis. Is this true?

Could anybody compare this build with say HP or ...The Thinkpad ?

Thanks

 

ive had 3 dell laptops before my FE and its a world of difference. dell has very poor build quality. you cant go wrong with the FE. however, jihoon is right that the sound quality on the fe is low. that is the only con i have found on my laptop

 

A few friends of mine have the Dell 1505, so I have been able to compare my FE690 quite directly. My friend says that the resolution on his Dell is too high for daily use, he has to squint to see things. I dont play video games, so I cant speak to the quality of the screen in that arena. I will say that I believe Sony has the brightest screens in the business, with excellent color contrast. The viewing angle is also superb.

I also removed all of the bloatware as soon as I booted the computer. It starts up much faster now. I have not noticed any heat issues, the fan has only come on a few times in the hours I have spent on this machine, and even then it was only for a few seconds.