Thinking about purchasing VGN-SZ791N/X

Hi all,
I have seen people talked about this premium version with special carbon casing, however, I have not seen any feedback from actual owner of this version. Anyone up here got their VGN-SZ791N/X? There's a $300 buy back program from sony right now and I think there also is some 100 or 200 off coupon somewhere out there. This makes me really wanna jump on this, however, I would love to have some feedback. Is it worth to pay over 2k for this? I won't be using Sprint service at all, however this version came with the antenna which is $100 option....

 

Just a little note, is it just because of the old demo in store or is it true that SZ screen is much darker than new Apple's screen at full brightness?
Thanks

 

what do you mean by $300 buy back program??

 

I have found 2 actual owners' feedbacks :

SONY VAIO SZ VGN-SZ791N/X
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300(2.50GHz), 13.3" Wide XGA, 4GB DDR2, 250GB 5400rpm HDD, DVD Super Multi, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS and Intel GMA X3100


Owner : Kendrick Erickson

Pros: The laptop is a nice little machine. A 2.5GHz dual-core Penryn (45nm) processor with 4GB of RAM. It weighs 4 pounds, not quite as svelte as others on the market but still fairly portable. Users of other operating systems will be glad to know that the laptop comes with Windows XP installation media for those not ready for Vista and that the laptop has no significant problems with recent Linux-based operating systems (tested with Fedora 8). Besides the technical specifications, it looks really nice (you won't see it in the pictures, but the carbon-fiber lid looks ever-so-slightly rosy at certain angles and gray the rest of the time) and the screen is actually quite bright (to the point where I don't even run it at full brightness).

Cons: This laptop ships with a 32-bit version of Windows Vista Business. This essentially means that your applications will not be able to access the full 4GB of RAM on-board the laptop. The fact that it ships with 32-bit Vista is not all too surprising, however, the fact that Sony does not provide any 64-bit drivers is. Thankfully, most of the drivers (only available on the backup/restore DVDs that you burn yourself--there are no Vista media shipped with this laptop) will install on 64-bit Vista or download from Windows Update, with the unfortunate exception of the nVidia video drivers, and all Sony drivers (e.g., function keys, trackpad, webcam, etc.). Other nitpicky issues include the somewhat slushy feeling keyboard, some seemingly flimsy plastic for the wireless antenna and ethernet/modem port cover, and a battery that will rattle around in its cavity.

Other Thoughts: I love this laptop. I love the fact that it dual boots without a problem. I don't like that Sony has completely shut out anyone that needs or wants to use a 64-bit version of Windows on their laptops, but I suppose that's their prerogative. I'm sure that with time they'll start pushing out beta drivers and perhaps even support 64-bit Vista on it some day. In the mean time, it works without any major issues with 64-bit operating systems if you can rough it on your own. If 32-bit Vista works for you, then there's really no reason to be afraid of picking this laptop up. The minor nitpicky issues are not deal-breaking problems by any stretch of the imagination but they are in the way of what would otherwise be a solid--literally and figuratively--laptop.


Owner : Disappointed

Pros: Light, nice design. Bright screen. Penryn-based processor with 6 mb L2 cache, 4GB RAM, Big HDD, integrated web cam.

Cons: A custom system can be built with 7200RPM HD, or a Windows Ready Drive (Hybrid HDD -- with 256MB flash memory plus spinning platter). These choices not available with the pre-spec'd model, but would be better than the 5400 RPM drive. The keyboard will take some getting used to. TONS of cr@p-ware that needs to uninstalled, plus delivered with a list of 5-6 Sony Vaio patches and updates going back 2 months. Has my machine really been on a boat that long? Biggest flaw by far is 32 bit Windows Vista Business. 64 bit Windows Vista Ultimate a far better choice. With Windows Visa Ultimate, you get media center capabilities. With 64bit you get to actually tap into all 4GB RAM. With 32 bit, you only get access to 3GB. Intel says the chip is 64 bit ( ftp://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31674505.pdf). The info from Sony made it clear they were using a 64 bit chip but they didn't make it clear they would ship with 32 bit. I'm guessing it's a lack of drivers, but....

Other Thoughts: The 32 bit really is disappointing. Intel says the chip is 64 bit ( ftp://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31674505.pdf). The info from Sony made it clear they were using a 64 bit chip but they didn't make it clear they would ship with 32 bit. The sony support site says I can get either Vista Business or XP (!) Ridiculous. Plus, their site only lists XP drivers if you're running Vista Business. No apparent, easy option to get a copy or list of the drivers if you want to do a clean install with Vista Ultimate. I'm guessing the don't have 64 bit drivers, and that's what's holding them up? I hope they release them soon so the suckers who buy this machine can use the memory they bought.


rgds.

 

go to yahoo and search for "Sony tradeup". They have a promotion running right now until sometimes in March as I remember. They basically give you $300 for any trade in laptop that worth less than $300 and actual value if it's higher than $300 when you purchase new TZ, SZ and some other models.

 

@Benjamin Chin: thanks for sharing the info. I think I read these two already, however, they are very brief review. I'm looking for more in-dept review before making the purchase.

 

I would love to give you an in-depth review, but I don't have the time to sit down for hours to write it right now. Maybe I'll be able to during my spring break.

Furthermore, you'll have to know that user reviews are subjective so you probably cannot read too much into any user reviews. I feel that it is best you just take them as a general view of the product.

 

Users' reviews are only personal to themselves.

Then again, even independent reviews done by various websites also contain subjectivity; the use of benchmarks merely reduces those subjectivity.

As long as human element is involved, there is no escape from subjectivity.


rgds.

 

I'm also not inclined to write a long review.

However, if you have specific questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them.

 

I was just wondering if there is anything in the uk that is like 'trade-in' or any such coupons?