VPCF1290x versus VPCF1390x

I am trying to decide between 2 F series laptops: a preconfigured VPCF12BFX that has been discontinued but can still be purchased at Sony stores for a discount or a new VPCF1390-CTO.

The main difference between these 2 models is that the discontinued model has a 1600x900 resolution with a Nvidia 330m graphics card, while the VPCF1390CTO that I would custom-order would have a 1920x1080p resolution and the new Nvidia 425m graphics card. Also, the Intel I7 chip is slightly faster on the newer 13 series. The price difference between the 2 models is about $185.

I will be watching Blu-ray movies on the laptop occasionally but primarily will use it for web surfacing and MS word, excel, PowerPoint, adobe premier and acrobat standard.

My question: is there a benefit for a high-def resolution? Some say it makes a difference when watching Blu-ray movies, while others say that 1920x1080p versus 1600x900 is not noticeable on a 16.4" display.

Also, the Sony telephone rep. touted the newer generation Nvida graphics card (GT425m). I spoke with Nvida, and the rep. said it would primarily would benefit gamers because games rely heavily on the graphics card to render the image and also high-end graphics software like Photoshop. But he also said the 330m is a high-end card, too.

Any feeling on whether it make sense to spend more for the 1390CTO because of the HD display and better graphics card?

Thanks for any advice on this issue.

 

i am in a market for a F series, and I saw the same comparison. both models have a choice between 1600x900 and 1920x1080. But the main differences lie in:

Upgraded Nvidia GT425
USB 3.0 Ports


Other than that if I were you, save some money, go to sonystyle outlet, grab a clearance model with 1yr warranty and also get 10% off this week.

cheers.

 

Thanks. I was not aware of the USB 3.0 difference. I understand 3.0 is a lot faster than 2.0. I get impatient when backing up my laptop to an external hard drive, so the 3.0 could be the deciding factor. Of course, I'd have to get a 3.0 hard drive, but i see that Western Digital has a USB 3.0 one-terabyte drive for $127 on Amazon, so the drives are very cheap!

 

I have to agree with Nvidia rep, there is not much difference in performance between 330m and 425m with the latter supporting DirectX11. Even so, if you just gonna watch Blu-ray and not playing games, then an nvidia 310m is already enough, let alone 330m. Furthermore, it is somewhat true that it's difficult to spot the difference between 1080p and 900p on an 16" screen with naked eye. If you want to enjoy the true high definition, I would suggest linking the laptop to a bigger HDTV with hdmi cable. All these can save you quite some cash.

With regard to usb 3.0, the eSATA/Hi-Speed USB (which the F12 has as well) is about 5 times faster than usb 2.0 and usb3.0 is twice faster than eSATA/Hi-Speed USB. Hope this small info helps.

In my opinion, F13 with 1600x900, 310m should meet your requirements

 

Did Sony update the 1080p screen for the VPCF1390X in the US??
Because the main complain for the F12 was the bad quality of its screen especially its brightness.

Anyone know if they change the screen??

 

The 1080p screen is a $100 USD upgrade on the older F12 anyway so the discount is not that high. Given the choice between the discounted F12 and the new F13, I'd probably wait for the F13. You might get lucky and get a matte EU screen. Who knows until launch?

 

I think they change the 1080p description.
When you go to customize the VPCF1390X and click more info in Display section for the Full HD it now states:

Finger crossed.