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    Which Sony?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by puter1, Nov 29, 2008.

  1. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    Is there any Sony laptop that has:

    Centrino 2 CPU

    Nvidia and/or Intel X4500 graphics (either one or the switchable version)

    HDMI or DVI port

    eSATA port (just a bonus; not a necessity)

    DDR3 RAM (DDR2 is acceptable but does DDR3 give any advantage?)

    LED screen (just a bonus)

    I was curious about the Sony Vaio VGN-SR290. Can anyone provide any detailed info?

    Also, is there any Sony laptop you could recommend for Linux?

    As I understand it, the most recent distros support:

    X4500 Intel graphics, any Nvidia graphics

    the more recent Intel agn wireless 5100 or 5300 chip (on 2.6.27 kernel)

    Note: I'm comparing Sony, HP and Lenovo laptops...

    I kinda need the answers to apply to customization in Canada... It would make it easier and avoid customs/import taxes (I think).
     
    puter1, Nov 29, 2008
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  2. ascariss

    ascariss Notebook Deity

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    either the sony SR290CTO or either of the Z series ctos on sonystyle.ca would fit your bill.
     
    ascariss, Nov 29, 2008
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  3. Rahul

    Rahul Notebook Prophet

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    The Vaio Z has all the features you request, except for Esata. Sadly, no Sony computers have that port. The Z has switchable graphics that can switch from the Intel X4500 to Nvidia Geforce 9300M GS, you don't even have to reboot the computer unlike other computers with switchable graphics.

    The Z has an LED-backlit screen and I believe the SR series doesn't.
     
    Rahul, Nov 29, 2008
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  4. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    They all look ideal but so expensive! :-/
     
    puter1, Nov 29, 2008
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  5. zexin

    zexin Notebook Enthusiast

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    can i ask you why you're looking for X4500 (GM45) gpu?
    what are GM45's advantages?
     
    zexin, Nov 29, 2008
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  6. the_1

    the_1 Notebook Evangelist

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    The SR has standard LED screen as well. You didn't say what size should the display be. Both the SR and Z are 13 inchers. If you want a bigger laptop you could choose the FW.
     
    the_1, Nov 29, 2008
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  7. joeskie

    joeskie Notebook Geek

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    No offense but you're asking for a lot and want to pay a little...

    DDR3 is only for high end laptops at the moment, so is Centrino 2 and switchable graphics. Nevermind HDMI...
     
    joeskie, Nov 29, 2008
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  8. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    The GM45 video chip seems to be the standard for the newer laptops with Intel processors. I'm not particular about which one but since I'd use Linux mainly (with Vista as the 'backup' OS), ATI is out until the open source drivers improve.

    I don't see the point gaming on a laptop as I'd use my desktop for that so it doesn't have to be the top of the line graphics chip.

    Size of screen isn't really important to me now. I guess I think 17"+ is getting a bit big for a laptop. I saw a FW in a big box store and it wasn't too bad. I could probably live with it.

    I figure DDR3 will be in most laptops in the near future. So, I thought if I can get a laptop with DDR3 RAM, it would be better.

    I would prefer Centrino 2 and LED screen since they both use less power/heat which, when somewhat high, is probably a laptop's worst enemy. Right?
     
    puter1, Nov 29, 2008
    #8