Sony VAIO SB vs Lenovo Thinkpad X220

I went back and forth between the Sony SB and T420 from Lenovo. Got the T420 and within a week sent it back because of the viewing angle and screen resolution (1600x900 - My aging eyes were the reason).

Than played with the Sony SB and ThinkPad X220 game this time. Saw an X220 up close just last night, really liked the screen and resolution, than found one heck of a deal and purchased the X220 over the Sony. Read the some what bad reviews from this forum on the SB, but had not thus far read any negitive reviews from the Lenovo site, so it became a no brainer (I hope) for me.

Just have to ask guy/gals about coupons/deals on the SB. I priced one SB close to the X220 configuration I purchased, and it was going for $1,830.00 which included a 3 yr warranty with extended care (Spills/drops). That is very high compared to the $1,335.00 for the X220 with coupons stacked and sales just yesterday. Does Sony have pretty good deals as well ? I have not seen any that came close thus far to the stackable coupons and sales for the X220. Guess the SB is still too new for the better deals. Could be wrong.

 

That is just an average deal.

Yes it's cheaper than usual (which you'd expect anyway >_>) but it's far from being a good deal. This is primarily because the 500 GB 7200rpm and the 6470M graphics config. The free sheet battery and the warranty is neat though.

The only edge that the SB has over the thinkpad is the discrete graphics card. However, the 6470M graphics card in your configuration hardly has ANY difference with the integrated HD 3000, so you will notice minimal performance boost. (well, some may argue that the 6470 supports DX11 but the GPU is weak sauce and probably can't drive any DX11 features)

If I were you I'd get the thinkpad. Much better value.

 

Ordered the X220 last night, but a friend at work not knowing too much about which notebook to get asked me about the Sony SB. Discrete graphics/dvd drive and a slightly larger screen is nice to have but he and I don't game on notebooks, so this is strickly business, and the X220 is only a shy less than one inch over the Sony. Longivity and well built is what we both want.

Thanks

 

Well since you don't game, the graphics card on the SB is obsolete anyway so I don't see any reason why not to go for the thinkpad. Also, for the DVD drive, you can always opt for a USB external DVD drive y'know

I think thinkpads can last for quite a long time, it served my dad for 5 years before finally breaking down.

 

That is the conclusion we have as well. X220 it is for the both of us. Thanks

 

I just priced an X220 with an i5 and the premium display for 1.2k (Canadian). Honestly if I didn't put any value on the graphics card, I would've gotten the X220.

Pricing wise, the Sony works out cheaper for me, I spent about 1350 for the Sony including the sheet battery and the 6630 with an i5; definitely more bang for the buck in terms of power.

Brianho, how is the graphics card on the SB obsolete?

Also, SR45, where did you get to look at the X220 up close? I haven't figured out where to go to see one in person.
In any case I think the decision between the two is graphics card?
Yes. SB
No. X220 which seems like a better laptop overall other than graphics and no ODD (which isn't really a big deal anyways)

 

Well it's obsolete because he doesn't game lol. The HD 3000 is more than enough for everyday tasks.

 

Ok sorry, I don't want to nitpick but I think the word you're looking for is unnecessary. Had me confused for a second. Very true that HD3000 is > everyday tasks.

 

Right sorry about that too, I'm not a native English speaker so my word choice might be inappropriate sometimes >_> I probably should use "redundant" instead.

 

I think that this is the thread for me! Sorry for the long post...

Firstly, let me say that I am not much of a gamer. I currently use a CentOS linux box at home, and for my windows applications, I run Windows XP on it via VMware. I also have an old 15.6", 7lb, HP Pavilon laptop. Neither system works very well for the photo editing software that I am using (Bibble Pro 4, Photoshop 7 etc). Therefore, I would like to get a new laptop to use as a desktop that would handle my photo editing needs (which aren't really that intensive). I will also most likely be getting a nice external monitor so that I can finally see what I am doing while editing said photos (I have been looking at the Dell U2311H monitor).

I also do a fair amount of travel for work, so I'm thinking that a smaller and lighter laptop would be nice.

I initially was looking at a Dell XPS 15 for $1300. Very skookum (probably overkill). Nice 1920x1080 resolution screen. But at 6.5 lbs, it heavier and larger than what I want.

I then found this Sony Vaio VPCSB11FXB for $999 at Future Shop (Canada):
VPCSB11FXB | NEW VAIO S Series Laptop | Sony Canada

Features: Intel Core™ i5-2410M (2.30/2.90GHz), Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, 13.3" LED backlit display (1366x768), 4GB RAM, 500GB SATA, DVD SuperMulti Drive, AMD graphics (512MB VRAM), HDMI out. 3.6lbs. Bluetooth. Wifi.

I really liked the look, the size, and the feel of the keyboard (the screen seemed a bit wobbly though). But it has most of the stuff on my checklist, and it seems like very good bang for the buck. The only concern I had was with the display. I was comparing it to other laptop displays (including a Macbook Pro 13"), and was having a hard time coming away satisfied with it for viewing photos etc. I tried rationalizing that this might not matter because I would mainly be using my external monitor anyway, but I thought that I should do some more looking around.

I really like the new Macbook Pro 13", and kind of wish that I could make the big "Windows to Apple switch-o-rama", but most of my software is for Windows, and my workplace is fairly Windows-centric, so I just can't see it happening.

So a bit more research lead me to the new Thinkpad X220. I priced the below at the Lenovo website for $1300 (it has the upgraded IPS display):

Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M Processor (2.30GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Display type: 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Fingerprint reader: UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader
Hard drive: 250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Battery: 6 Cell Battery
Bluetooth: Broadcom Bluetooth 3.0 with antenna
Integrated WiFi

Based on the reviews, it seems like an incredible laptop. And I like how it has the higher quality display for those times when I am mobile.

Compared to the Sony:
- it doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, but the reviews say it's still quite good. How would it work with a fairly good external monitor?
- it doesn't have USB 3.0 (in the above configuration), but I'm not really sure that I need it.
- it doesn't have an optical drive, but I'm not sure if I really need one (or I could get an external drive if I really had to I suppose).
- it doesn't have a backlit keyboard, but hopefully the Thinklight would do the trick.
- it's $300 more!

Edit: also, hopefully the button-less touchpad wouldn't bother me. Here is an excerpt from a review:

At this point, I think I am leaning towards the X220. But if anyone has any thoughts, opinions or suggestions, I'm all ears.

Thanks!

Wayne

 

If you're getting it for photoediting, I think the X220 would be better for colour reproduction.
1. you don't need a graphics card unless you're gaming
2. USB 3.0 wouldn't really be important unless you just HAVE to have it
3. most of the time one wouldn't use an optical drive (can't remember the last time I've used one) and an external would suffice when you really do need one.. it's the price you have to pay for the extra lightness
4. Thinklight is good enough, especially if you touch type
5. price difference? Try searching lenovo EPP on redflagdeals, should help

funny how I got an SB but I'm recommending the X220. Trying to get my gf to get the X220 so I can kind of have both, but she likes the SB more for its looks. Thanks for mentioning that it's available for FS, cuz I kept seeing how there was one at the US best buy for cheaper and I was wondering if there was one here in Canada.

 

What do you think about comparison: X220 vs Sony Vaio Z?

I spend much time programming (Visual Studio), so the resolution is important for me. By isn't 1600x900 on Z too high for such small screen?

Another question is keyboard. Is keyboard in X220 as good as in Vaio?

Also I use Senheiser HD595 Headphone, so it is important for me to know, which laptop has better audio card?

 

1600x900 is perfectly useable for the Z's screen. It's the resolution I use when I do word processing or web browsing.

The keyboard on the Z is great, but do consider buying a keyboard protector because it will wear out very quickly if you don't clean it on a regular basis.

FYI: A free pair of sound isolation earphones come with the Z, so you can consider to use them. The sound quality and sound isolation effect works quite well.

 

Thinkpads set the standard for laptop keyboards. Though it isn't a chiclet keyboard (yet) I think the thinkpad I owned had the best keyboard I've used. period. Haven't gotten my SB yet so I can't say much about that but I've heard good things about the Z's keyboard. As for sound card, I think it's probably a crapshoot and neither will astonish you with their sound quality, especially if you're using those Senns (nice cans btw). If anything maybe get an amp or something if you're serious. Also, the screen for the vaio Z is quite usable, if you have the chance I think you should try to look at one at a sonystyle

 

Thanks for the response! Since posting this, I have become highly interested in the Macbook Pro 13". So now I am trying to decide between the X220 and the MBP. Now that's a complicated decision for a guy who, until very recently, knew almost nothing about Mac's.

 

Since posting, I have gotten my VAIO SB. First impressions are pretty good, the screen isn't as TERRIBLE as everyone makes it to be. The trackpad is a bit weird, but still setting everything up, maybe it's something I can fix.

The only concerns I have over MB Pro are:
1. Is it much heavier than the X220?
2. Can you actually live with mac OS? (I think I would kill myself, at least for a month)
3. Does it have sandy bridge yet?

I think either will be a good investment though.

 

1. Yes, MBPs relatively heavy in the notebook competition compared to thinkpads, but they are still kinda in the middle though. A MBP 13" weighs 4.5 pounds while a Thinkpad X220 weighs <3 pounds (~2.8-2.9)

2. I have never been a mac user but nowadays you can easily bootcamp yourself into windows and use windows should you require it. Do be prepared to pay extra though.

3. As of 25th Feb, 2011, all the MBP series have been upgraded with sandy bridge processors. The 13" model lacks a discrete graphics card though, like the x220. Spec wise, the 13" MBP is nearly identical to the X220 for the CPU, RAM, Graphics and storage (The MBP offers SSD solutions though, if you're willing to pay)

 

From other members' experiences, though, Windows won't run as well/ fast on a Mac than a dedicated Windows comp.

 

3.5 lbs for 6 cell X220 versus 4.5 lbs for MBP. The MBP feels very solid, but not incredibly light.

This I don't have the answer for. Most people who have been trying to sell me on OSX say how wonderful and efficient OSX is. And how much less prone to viruses it is. And how wonderful the trackpad is. Etc etc.

But it certainly would be easier for me to go the Windows7 route. As it stands right now with OSX, I would have to start figuring out how to get the proper terminal emulation happening that's required when connecting into my office system (rxvt or ansi), as well as how to get ssh'd/tunneled in appropriately. Although I'm sure it can all be done in OSX, I wouldn't have to worry about figuring this stuff out if I got a W7 laptop.

Yessir: Intel Core i5-2415
Apple - MacBook Pro - Technical specifications of the 13-inch model.

I agree. Thanks again for your input.

 

Funny, I am now in this same exact situation between Lenovo X220 and Vaio SB, because also I'm wondering can I play Starcraft II with X220 (with low graphics but high resolution on my external monitor). Edit: And by the way, I also have desktop computer for SC2 like you do.

But did you hear about Sony's upcoming Hybrid PC? It's a 1.1kg laptop with i7 processor and a docking station with external GPU and Blu-ray drive. Sounds too awesome to be true.

By the way, how is the Vaio SB playing with SC2? Edit: Actually, could you do me a favor and try SC2 with Vaio SB's integrated Intel GPU, low graphics but full-HD resolution and see how it works? Because I think Vaio SB without the dedicated GPU is pretty much on par with X220.

 

The hybrid pc sounds quite awesome but also sounds like you'll have to sacrifice your first-born for it

I will let you know how playing SC2 is with both when I get around to it; I thought I would've done it the first day I got it, but so far only installed and updated SC but haven't played it... been way too busy. I think I remember seeing somewhere on the owner's forum that you can only really play on low settings with the integrated, but with a 6630 you can play high with playable fps (I think something like at least 60fps).

 

Yes, that's true That's the only problem with Sony's high-end laptops.

Ok, thanks a lot! I don't really mind low graphics, but I like to use high resolution for sharper picture. I have everything on low on my desktop too, because I play Zerg and I think it's more difficult to see all my units when the creep is glittering and shining and reflecting everything

 

ok so so far I've managed to test it out on speed mode for a bit and was able to consistently hit 80fps on native resolution with high graphics settings in 3v3. Pretty impressive. The only thing is the fan gets a bit loud, but that is to be expected and you can't notice it in the heat of battle

 

That's good news! I think I'm leaning towards Vaio SB too, mostly because the Lenovos are ridiculously overpriced here where I live. I might also wait for Vaio SA though. The screen resolution of SB is a bit disappointing (my 11" Vaio TZ has the same resolution).

 

I went to a local shop to see the Vaio SB and I got a bit mixed feelings about it. First of all the keyboard is amazing! It's simply the best laptop keyboard I have ever used. Secondly the screen resolution wasn't really as big issue as I thought it would be. Last but definitely not least, the vertical viewing angles of the screen were god-awful, and for that matter the only positive thing about the screen was the matte finishing. So, I think I will wait for the Vaio SA and hope that it has Vaio Display Premium(tm), and if it's too expensive I will just get the SB.

 

Pretty much my thoughts exactly, although when you're using it, you'll obviously have the screen adjusted so that it's at the right viewing angle so it's not as big of an issue in actual practice. I wouldn't rule out replacing this with the SA's screen if possible, but it's definitely not necessary. I also would've waited for SA to be priced, however I needed it for school by this week so the decision was pretty much made for me.

 

Between the Vaio SB, MBP 13 and X220, I ended up going with the X220 with IPS display.

This is the config:

Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz Edit
Display type: 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna Edit
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) Edit
Fingerprint reader: UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader Edit
Camera: 720p HD Camera Edit
Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm Edit
Battery: 6 Cell Battery Edit
Bluetooth: Broadcom Bluetooth 3.0 with antenna Edit
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN Edit

Actually, I reduced the memory from 4GB to 2GB and am getting 8GB from newegg, the total price after which will be 1178.38 CDN. I am also getting a $40 external dvd drive from newegg. So, when all is said and done, the X220 will cost me about $1220.

So by comparison:
- Vaio SB for $999 CDN
- MBP 13 for $1250 CDN (plus something for thunderbolt cables)
- X220 (with IPS display, 8GB memory, 7200rpm HD) for $1220 CDN

If you also are interested in the X220, then the following thread is one that I started when I was looking for some input about it. Many knowledgeable people replied and helped me save some money and make some good decisions.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...uld-i-get-x220-plus-some-other-questions.html

Cheers,

Wayne

 

You're lucky. Here's what we get in Finland:

- Vaio SB (Core i5, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD) for 1148,90 €
- X220 (IPS, i5, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD) for 1849,90 €

 

I have a Vaio Z-12 i5, 1600x900, which I'm thinking about switching for a Lenovo X220.

The main pro is the battery life, and I like the USB 3.0. I travel a lot and would love the durability. I know I'll prefer the keyboard, too. The issue mainly comes down to the screen. 1600x900 gives you a lot of screen real estate, and the screen is great in general.

Would the IPS screen be even better in quality? How cramped is web browsing / text editing on a 12.5" 1366x768?

I don't play any games, but watch a lot of 720p video. Otherwise I do general tasks and browsing mostly, so battery life and screen + connectivity are the main things for me.

Should I switch?

 

IPS screen is definitely a lot better if you consider colour, brightness, contrast and viewing angles. It falls a bit short in refresh rates, so you might see some very slight ghosting in fast-paced gaming, but I don't know how bad this is in X220. The resolution will be considerably smaller. I've done coding with Vaio TZ, which has a 11,2" 1366x768 res screen and it's way too small, but of course you can use smaller font sizes with a 12,5" screen. It will not be nearly as good as your Vaio Z, but it might be good enough.

Can I ask you how you prefer Lenovo's keyboard over Vaio's? I'm asking because I cannot test Lenovo laptops anywhere in my city, but I have a Vaio and I think Vaios have the best laptop keyboards I have ever used.

 

Thank you!

I'm not gonna play any games, so no worries. Sounds like a 720p clip might even look better on the Lenovo than on the Sony? I watch a lot of those, so that's great.

I don't do coding, only word processing and web browsing. The high resolution is a big plus on a small screen. But maybe I'll manage - I sometimes get a little bit of a feeling of strain because of small fonts, so maybe switching would be good for me after all.

I've only tried a Lenovo Edge keyboard, but I loved it. The keys are slightly concave, and just seem to stick to your fingers. Also the chiclet keyboard is slightly noisier. I do a lot of writing and this stuff matters. That being said I have no real issues with the Vaio keyboard!

I'm leaning towards switching machines, as long as video will look great on the IPS, the keyboard is better (for me), the battery life is way better, it's sturdier, and I can live with the lower resolution.

 

you should really try a keyboard from a lenovo T series or W series, those are the best that they have, hell even the chiclet edge line have a great keyboard.

 

Oh yeah, the X220 was/is $687 this week from Lenovo. The IPS screen will cost you another $49 or was that $45.

 

As I said, I don't have the possibility to try out any Lenovos without buying them. They don't show them in shops where I live.

 

It's difficult to say, because the screen of Vaio Z is awesome too. You shouldn't worry about colour or contrast though, and you will get a lot better viewing angles and more brightness with X220.

 

X220 screen resolution is simply too low for me
and its IPS panel is not even on par with SONY Z

 

The resolution is low, but how do you know the panel is not on par with Vaio Z? I've seen only the Z panel and while the picture is crisp and colourful, the viewing angles are nothing to write home about.

 

I must say that I've owned both an older model T series as well as the Vaio SB and both keyboards are great. I don't think you'll find that one is significantly better than the other, as it's really up to personal preference. As for the screen resolution, 1366x768 is the same as what I have on my SB and though many people complain about it, I think it's high res enough for the size. Again it's a matter of personal preference, and as you said, you can live with the lower resolution.

By switching machines are you thinking of getting rid of the Sony? Think of it this way; from your posts I feel like you WANT to get the x220... and if that's the case I don't think anything is really going to stop you unless someone tells you that it's a piece of garbage. Especially since you don't play games, I think the trade off of less power and marathon battery life is one that would be beneficial to you.

 

I would go for a SONY Z in that they are similar size

but Z is way better

 

Thanks guys! Right, I am eager to try something new. I'm basically trying to justify leaving that great Vaio behind. Apart from screen flex and battery life it's pretty much a perfect machine! Still, those two things have a lot to say for me, and that's why I'm probably gonna change.

My X220 would be a Sandy Bridge laptop with SSD and the same or more RAM than the Vaio, so apart from the screen I don't see how the Z could be described as way better. Comes down to screen/resolution as far as I can see.

Appreciate all your input!

 

There is someone interested in buying my Vaio, but only with Blu-Ray. Do you think getting this one for it would work?

Sony VAIO VPCZ12 series BD-ROM Blu-ray Combo Drive | eBay

 

Or this?

Sony VAIO VPCZ12 series BD-ROM Blu-ray Combo Drive | eBay

 

I think it would be fairly simple and would work but check the forums for vaio Z drive swaps, I don't think they would be looking at this thread. There's probably even a guide on it somewhere.

 

I have been looking @ the SB190 (Sony Canada) for some time now and the price dropped to $800CDN (Intel i5-2410/4GB RAM/500GB HD) when I checked it tonight. I couldn't wait any longer and ordered it; can't wait till it arrives!!

 

Ｉwould not compare the two. X220 wins big time.

 

I'm set on the X220.

I would like to get the standard battery the slice battery for the machine, though, but on Lenovo's order page there doesn't seem to be a choice to get both the standard 6-cell and the 9-cell. Or do you get both if you select the 9-cell battery? The only other way seems to be to get the 9-cell and order an additional 4-cell battery (i.e. smaller than the regular 6-cell), which isn't especially attractive.

Anybody who ordered this know?

 

I convinced my friend to buy the x220 over the SB. It's a couple hundred less for pretty much the same config, plus you have better durability, a much much better screen, and way better battery life.

 

If you order the 9-cell you don't also get the 6-cell also. When you mean you want the slice battery do you want the 9-cell extended battery or the slice battery you put on the bottom of the X220? If you want the slice battery, you can order the X220 with the 6-cell, but you'll then have to search through Lenovo's website to find the slice battery for the X220 since it isn't under the configurable options anymore.

 

Thanks! I thought the 9-cell was the slice battery, but apparently it isn't. I suppose the 9-cell will be a bit clumpy, and that getting the 6-cell + the slice would be better?

 

I have the large battery for my Vaio, but I never use it because of how it tilts the laptop...