Vaio VPCSC31FM/S at Best Buy - Concerns

Hello Folks,

I am considering purchasing a Sony Vaio VPCSC31FM/S.
(This configuration is available exclusively at Best Buy for $979.99.)
It comes with the 1366 X 768 screen.

My current laptop is a Dell Precision M4400 (15.4 screen, 1400 X 900 resolution). I would like to get something smaller and lighter for traveling, hence my consideration of the VPCSC

I am having concerns about screen resolution. I have spent a couple hours at Best Buy checking out the Vaio and other units, and the Sony screen seems to be equivalent to what I have now. Honestly, it appeared to be as good as - or perhaps better - than any of the other laptops in the store.

However, in the back of my mind are all the reviews I have read which preach the virtues of higher screen resolution (such as the upgraded Sony - 1600 x 900 I believe?) and complain about the inferiority of the lower resolution 1366 x 768.

I've never really given much consideration to screen resolution in the past - is it safe to say that 1366 x 768 (on a 13.3 display) is plenty good for a combination work/leisure lappy (no intense graphics, just some picture and occasional DVD viewing)?

Also, the Best Buy unit seems to be quite a good deal for the price - does anyone out there have one, or can offer an opinion about it?

Thanks in advance!

Ken in SSF

 

Have you considered looking at the CTO SA available on Sony's website?

Customize 13.3" Laptop | VAIO S Series Configure-to-Order | VPCSA390X CTO | Sony USA

For $20 more, you automatically have the higher resolution and the stronger GPU. The tradeoff, however, is 2GB of RAM (easily self-upgradeable), Blu-Ray drive, and the hybrid hard drive. Also, it has been discussed here that the SC seems to be made of different (possibly lesser?) materials than the SB and SA (here in the U.S., I'm assuming, since you mention Best Buy).

Resolution depends on the user at the end of it all. Some like the extra real estate a higher resolution gives while some don't understand the point on smaller screens. Personally, I see it as something that is essentially going to be "stuck" on the laptop I buy, so I try to get something I won't regret later. Hope this helps.

 

I went back to Best Buy, and I am satisfied with the screen resolution (1366 X 768).

I have one last concern - a few people have mentioned that the webcam on the S series leaves something to be desired.

Is it really that bad?

I would only be using it for a weekly Skype session.

Thanks again in advance.

-Ken in SSF-

 

its pretty bad. in bright light its ok, but still not as great. basically the resolution is just vga, with bad noise reduction.

you can always buy an external HD webcam.