Vaio NS255 -- newer line of NS

Has anyone had experience with the NS255 (or even the NS235 or NS290) that came out at the very end of last year? I've read some reviews that say the older NS135 and NS190 are average at best, but can't find any reviews on the newer 2xx line. Here are the specs I've found on the NS255:

Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 2.00 GHz Processor
2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz Bus speed
4096 MB DDR2 (PC2-6400) RAM Max: 4GB
250 GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) LCD XBRITE-ECO Display
Built-in 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera and Microphone
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430 with up to 2040MB Shared Video Memory
DVD±R/RW Drive with Double Layer
Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN 802.11a/b/g/n
10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet LAN
Built-in Memory Stick® Standard/Duo PRO with MagicGate™ Card Reader
Built-in Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
ExpressCard 34 Slot
Connections: 4 x USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, Microphone-in, VGA, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45
Approximate Unit Dimensions: 14.18" (W) x 1.5" (H) x 10.63" (D)
Approximate Unit Weight: 6.4 Pounds

I'm not pleased with the lack of HDMI (my TV does not have VGA input) and Bluetooth but I suppose I could get by with S-video.

I'm set on a 15.4" screen and my needs are Web surfing, video over web, MS Office (lots of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel), light-moderate picture/video editing, light gaming (kids games), Skype, and video chat. I've run the FAQ under a different thread, but just trying to get some thoughts on this model.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

The NS is essentially sony's budget line. I wouldn't expect too much from it. Its build quality is above other budget models, but then again it does cost more.

 

The NS255 is a good machine for your needs, but as far as I can tell the NS255 uses a Intel GMA 4500MHD and comes at $780 on newegg, the 295 comes with a Blu-Ray reader and a 3430 at about $950. Please list the place you are buying from if this is incorrect.

 

Thanks Johnny T and Euquility.

I noticed the conflict in specs right after I submitted the original post. NewEgg has the NS255 listed as the Intel, but J&R and Amazon (sold by Amazon, not J&R) have it listed as the 3430. I noticed that NewEgg lists the NS290 as having the Intel, but the NS295 as having the 3430. I wonder if NS2X0 is the Intel and NS2X5 is the 3430. I don't know.

 

Regardless, Im not sure where your FAQ post is but do you really want a blu-ray? If so the Sony seems to offer pretty good value for what you are getting.

If not I would consider checking out a Latitude E6500 at the Dell Outlet, they have a 20% off coupon for it right now and it would let you get a really nice deal than what you are getting on the Sony, although it might not look as nice I guess (thats an opinion).

 

Thanks Euqility. No need for Blue-ray. I'll take another look at the E6500. I've read that the speakers aren't that great on the E6500 -- would like to listen to music without earphones.

 

I've posted a similar question in the What Notebook Should I Buy forum, but thought I'd post here to get some input from Vaio users. Hope I'm not running afoul of posting etiquette.

I am considering buying the NS255 for web surfing, video over web, MS Office (lots of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel), light-moderate picture/video editing, light gaming (kids games), Skype, and video chat. Anyone here have experience with the newer NS2XX series?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

No experience yet but after a lot of research I think I am going to go with the NS240 in pink. It is only available through Best Buy which I don't like but I think I am getting close to ordering it. Good luck.

 

dazed, please keep all related questions in the same thread. I merged your two threads. Thank you.