Sony VAIO e-series - 15", ~$500

so I'm in the market for a 15" laptop for my mom and she's looking to spend about $500

Her computing requirements aren't that high. Nothing that will stress the components. At the same time, I'd like to avoid buying yesterday's technology because she is about as impatient as it comes. I'd probably prefer to stick to a Sandybridge config w/4 GB and no graphics adapter.

I see that sony has an E-series that fits into this type of budget. Now, Sony isn't exactly known for its "budget friendly" laptops. usually they're more geared toward high-end stuff, and a few of the reviews I've read seem to bare this out.

I'd like some perspective from Sony owners, rather than just reviewers, if possible. The stylishness (and the engraving) are nifty little extras I think my Mom would really like, but I don't want to get her a stylish piece of junk, of course.

thanks for any feedback.

 

If it helps any, I purchased an EB for my mother last Christmas (the "equivalent" of the 15" EH now available). I don't remember all the specs, but I know for a fact that it had a first-gen i3 and no discrete GPU. Like your mother, she doesn't do anything too demanding, mainly using it to upload pictures, go online, documents, etc. While it obviously doesn't compare to the models I own, it still is a looker like you say and it feels built well.