Would you buy this one? Vaio sr11m

Hi all,

I found this Vaio sr11m:

• Intel Core 2 DUO P8400 (2.26Ghz, 3MB L2 cache, FSB:1066Mhz)
• RAM 3072MB (1024MB+2048MB) DDR2 800Mhz
• Hard Disk 250GB SATA 5400rpm
• Graphic card Intel GMA X4500MHD
• display X-black 13.3"WXGA 1280x800 LED backlit
• DVD, webcam, ...
• mag-alloy and plastic case

for 900€

Complete specs here:
http://vaio.sony.it/view/ShowProduc..._cons&pageType=Overview&category=VN+SR+Series

It was sold since august till december for 1300€. Now it's been replaces by this one:
http://vaio.sony.it/view/ShowProduc...s&category=VN+SR+Series&assetid=1218032875586
which also it's 1300€

I need a light a laptop with a good battery life to use with linux.

So... would you buy an old, out-of-production model to save ~400€?

(note: i prefer the intel integrated video card over the dedicated ATI, because this means more battery and opensource drivers for linux)

Also, why was it so short lived? Does this model have any problem?

Do you know of any good review online?

Thank you

P.S. I will buy it in italy. Sorry for the italian links, but it's very simple to understand the specs.

 

Go for it!

There are only very minor differences between first and second generation Vaio SR models.

AFAIK, for models with Intel integrated graphics these differences are confined to the amount of RAM
and to the capacity of the HD. So if the specs sound right to you, then just go for it.

The SR 21M is a second generation model with ATI dedicated graphics. This one offers a HDMI port
(which is lacking in the first generation ATI models, and in ALL models with Intel graphics).

So if you don't need the HDMI port, and want to have long battery life the SR 11M is a good choice.

Hint: You should try only very recent Linux distros. Hopefully these provide meanwhile adequate support
for the Intel 4500MHD. Several people had installation problems with older distros (search the forum).

 

I use debian sid, so there should be no problems. Anyway here's a nice guide for who's experiencing troubles:
http://www.claudiocamacho.org/tech/sr11m_debian.php