Sony VAIO VGN-FW510F/B Question

I just purchased one for about $700 total (with taxes). Did I make a good choice? I've heard so many horror stories about Sony, how they replace screens (for example) for way too much money and the customer service is lacking? Should I return this and get an inspiron or something?

 

It is a nice comp with the offered price. We own many Sony in the family and have yet an issue with either quality or service.

cheers ...

 

I've heard so many conflicting things. How well built is this model? Think it could last for a long time?

 

Anymore thoughts please?

 

The FW series is a solid laptop. It should serve a few good years with proper regular maintenance.

 

Thanks for the response, David

 

Horror stories are there for every brand including Apple and Asus. I too got one of these and it feels as good as an XPS without the heat, so I think it would last a long time.

$700 is a very good deal if you got it with a BD-ROM drive. I think the lack of newer components (like LED screens, DDR3 memory etc) and thickness made it hard for Sony to move the inventory, also Arrandale is right around the corner.

 

If you got this machine for $700, you got a great deal. I got the FW510F for $649 from Best Buy and haven't regretted it for a second. Video card handles everything I throw at it...and screen is prime.

All depends on what your expectations are...but this machine goes for $849 from Amazon now....$899 from Newegg and Best Buy doesn't even offer my model anymore...

 

And what might these conflicting things be? I read the forums pretty regularly and never read anything horrid about the FW. In terms of build quality, the laptop is sturdy and very well-built EXCEPT for the left barrel, which tends to come off if not taken care of properly.

In terms of how long it will last, I don't know. I bought my FW right at the beginning when it came out and it's still solid. My barrel is actually fine. It's slightly crooked (I mean very slightly) but not wobbly at all. I also have scratch marks on the right side of the palm rest from my attempt to remove the stickers and a few scratches here and there from usage. It's best to go through the FW thread for opinions, I even posted a long post on updated impressions after a year of usage, including my experience with Sony customer service.

In terms of customer service, I've actually had good experiences. My FW screen had major light leakage on the left side, near the bezel, took it to the service center and changed my screen under warranty. I also had an incident where my right click button stopped working. Again, I took it to the Sony service center and they fixed it for me (though they didn't change the trackpad + buttons).

The best part was that since my laptop was in service for a total of a month (2 weeks for each problem), I called Sony customer service and extended my warranty by 90 days immediately.

You want to change your FW for a crappy Dell? I would never do that. My dad's company uses Dells and every time I see them I just cringe though I must admit that I'm a pretty big Sony fanboy (almost all my electronics are Sony products).

Indeed, I've heard horror stories for about every single laptop manufacturer but I haven't read anything worrisome about FW or Vaio laptops in general.

 

Sorry to thread jack but is there a way to remove the left barrel easily? Also is there a actually sony extended warrenty that you can buy after you purchase the laptop? I just got the 510 as well and i'm very pleased with it. I have seen on here some of the small issues with it. Cosmetically the palm area likes getting scratched. I bought this

http://www.sgpstore.com/product_info.php/cPath/23_37/products_id/899

I thought when I ordered it that it was just going to be a piece of vinyl, but it came today and its like suede with a sticky back. Its really comfortable. Also I bought this for the top of it.

http://www.sgpstore.com/product_info.php/products_id/377

I think both of these are good for cosmetic protection. What do you guys think?

 

I have just purchased this for 630 final. No tax on ebay

Its was 780 but with bing cash back at 20% snatched it for 630.
ANYWAYS. I was wondering how I could clean install this if possible?

 

I just asked that in another thread. But no luck on a response. I dont see how it wouldnt be possible for a clean install off the recovery disks. Anyone?

 

The horror stories I heard weren't from here, it's just things I've read all over the web. You are correct Rexian, I've heard bad things about just any computer. I do thank you, Wolf, for the reassurance, doesn't sound so bad. What exactly is the left barrel though? Is that where the ac adapter goes into? If so, how am I supposed to take care of it?

 

I've had my 285 for about 14 months now. Three trans-Pacific flights (soon to be four), numerous in-country travels (train & car). Used daily at least 4 hours and on many days much more. Has been one of the better laptops I've owned/used in a long time. Have seen the issue on the barrels, just be careful, I place in my carrying bag the barrels-side up, seems to protect them the best so far. Great laptop so far.

 

Is it normal for the area in the barrel where the AC adapter goes in to is kinda loose?

 

Anyone know?

 

If you mean the power plug seeming loose, then yes - normal - allows for some flex in the plug-in without damaging the barrel. If that is not what describing then please explain in more detail.