ah HELP! Sony VGN-FW285JH or VGN-Z540NAB

Ahh guys, I'm in a dillemma.

Portability vs. Features

Both are closely priced, and I'm stuck. Yes I know the "Z" has 1GB of RAM and 120GB HDD, but I would be upgrading to 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD.

So I figure this:

"Z" or "FW"
Processor: 2.26GHz, 2.26GHz
Screen: 13.1" (1366x768), 16.4" (1920x1080)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS, ATI HD 3650
HDD: 120GB (upgrade to 500GB), 320GB 7200RPM
RAM: 1GB (upgrade to 3 or 4GB), 4GB
Optical: CDRW/DVDRW, CDRW/DVDRW/Blu-Ray!

Ehh. I don't know if portability out weighs the features of the FW. I really would like a hi-resolution screen, but want to be able to be portable.

Only other thing that I would like to add to either, is an WWAN Mini-PC Express card from Verizon Wireless for Broadband EVDO (similar to Sprint).

I don't travel that much, but I do take my "laptop" with me everywhere. Usually when I'm "computing", I'm at a stationary location, and rarely find myself ever on the battery. I'm just afraid transporting the size of the FW is "monsterous" compared to the slim and portable "Z".

Input?

 

What do you want to use your computer for?

 

...There's always the Z590 which is the same size Z screen but at a 1600x900 resolution. However, that's easily 200-300 more than whatever you're paying right now.

I would say both are great laptops but how often do you travel/what will you be using the laptop for?

If it's usually plugged in, the battery life thing is irrelevant. Plus the FW's screen is a lot easier to work on. On the other hand, the weight is a downside if you move it around a lot.

Maybe consider an inbetween option? Like the SR (which unfortunately lacks the hi-resolution you'd desire) or something... these two laptops are a bit of the extremes in terms of ultra-portable versus usage comfort.

PS... Sony really should give the SR a 1440x900 or whatever that resolution is screen. I bet that would make it sell even faster.

 

well, i primarily use my computer for web browsing (multiple tabs, but wanna try multiple windows), video conferencing, AutoCAD and other engineering programs (that dont require too much Graphics demand).

i've always admired hi-resolution displays, cause the ability to clearly have so much work space, but unfortunately it comes with the size and weight.

i think im leaning towards the FW more, cause of the features, and my light travel. hopefully its not too big to lug around in a case or nice sling bag on a daily basis.

the Z590 is nice, but it is 2-300 more, and with as fast as sony releases new models, it might not be worth the bite. i feel comfortable spending less than $1500, especially in this laptop economy right now.

thanks for the input. more is appreciated!

 

It really depends on what you think is more important for you
a more powerful machine or a more portable machine

 

i know, the hardest dilemma.

does both of them have an open Mini-PCI Express slot so I can add for Verizon Mobile Broadband?

Thanks.

 

I would go with the FW then. The screen real estate is great. Especially for CAD.

The other option is to buy the Z... and then buy an external monitor? Unless your place of work is constantly fluctuating... then that would prove moot.

FW sounds like the best option IMO.

 

They have an ExpressCard slot, so yeah I think you can add a Verizon mobile boardband expresscard to it.

 

yea, i bet the FW's Full HD 1920x1080 display looks great with AutoCAD.

plus im sure with the ATI HD 3650, I'll begin to get back into the Computer Gaming realm.

 

Well... I spent 4 months in a summer Engineering COOP job where I was doing CAD, so I do know what it's like to use CAD. The bigger, the better.

 

can i upgrade the FW with this?

w ww.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/promos/sprint/sprint_what_is_wan.html

Sony’s original SmartWi™ technology seamlessly integrates wireless WAN3, 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless LAN4 and Bluetooth®5 technologies. Now you can quickly and easily toggle among your wireless connectivity options—wireless LAN for home, office and hotspots; Bluetooth® for peripherals; and wireless WAN for access to the Sprint® Mobile Broadband network when you’re traveling outside the reach of LAN access networks and hotspots.

i basically want "built-in" broadband access anywhere (even without a hotspot), and i'll subscribe to any carrier service.

 

You wont regret having Full HD (1980x1080) screen on FW. It is clear, crisp, and brilliant. You will gain a lot more workspaces on your computer due to higher resolution.

As for portability, I think it is worth it if you spec your FW high enough to justify the size (take at least fullHD screen and Blu ray..it is important!..dont buy blu ray if you dont intend to opt for Full HD screen).

As for the weight, if you plan to travel a lot of distances with your laptop, FW will surely strain your shoulder/hand if you carry it for a long time. The weight of the laptop itself is pretty ok IMHO (considering the specs) but if you add power supply, mice, sleeves, and bag...it will give you some weights in the end.

I used my FW 60% at home, 40% at work/school. I travel short distances with my FW (by walking) and it does not give any trouble for me. I am perfectly happy with the laptop.

Just in case you are wondering: I am using Tumi 17" laptop bag. It is not light but not too weighty either. If you ask me to walk for 45 minutes with all my laptop stuff (incl bag), I would say I am gonna feel the weight.

 

well that just did it for me.

i'll be able to justify the weight with a nice bag or backpack knowing that I have a 16.4" with ATI 3650 HD 3650 Graphics and 1920x1080 resolution and Blu-Ray!

Gonna order the FW285J/H first thing tomorrow! YAY

thanks guys, I just needed a little persuasion

 

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy your new laptop.

 

I agree with mlist, the fullHD screen is a must, it looks amazing and seeing the eco the extra money is worth it.

as for blu ray, depends if you watch movies or not, I have a standalone blu ray player for our bravia and I prefer watching movies on that, but if you do not have a tv or blu ray player, I suggest adding it to the laptop since the price sony is offering it at is a steal.

then in the future when one gets a lcd hd tv, you can easily hook it up via hdmi.

 

so is the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 (512MB RAM) with the XBrite-HiColor (1920x1080 resolution) the FullHD setup you guys talk about?

 

yes, that is the one, I specifically choose those options on my laptop since I wanted it to be at least viable for the next 2-3 years.

You won't regret it, this laptop is one of the best looking and best performing out there. The only hard part might be which colour to choose

 

I like Blue...

Black is nice too... On the other hand Silver colors show any damage/scuff marks/dirt the least.

WHITE IS THE WORST.

If those are even options. In general though, that's usually what I find no matter what device.

 

thanks for the great advice guys.

now the decision is between

black or titanium gray

 

Black all the way!! Gray looks cheap.. in my opinion.

 

lol.

i heard that the black carries smudges more, and is easily scratched?

i just want something that looks professional, classy, and will be able to handle the daily travel and use.

this will be a primary computer.

 

Yes the black does show oily fingerprints, but so would the titanium gray, only the white one would minimize the prints.

 

My ranks of choice:
****this is not intended for general opinion. I am only expressing my honest opinion about the colors. It helped me make my decision. No pun intended ****

1. Black (1st choice)
Pros:
-professional, modern, and clean look.
-IMHO..made from better quality material+durable (vs grey --> can scratch the paint easily)
-very easy to clean.
-everyone can see the "VAIO" logo from far far away..(this is not important )
-in Asia, at least, Black always represents the highest options (except for iphone)

Con:
-show finger oil

2. Grey (2nd choice)
pros:
-prefessional look
-harder to see dust

cons:
-boring for some people because it just like regular laptop.
-easy to scratch..especially bag's zipper (due to the paint)
-keyboard vs lid color mismatch (problem for some people..although i like it)
-does not really show "VAIO" logo from afar.

3. White (3rd choice)
pro:
-can be paired with white keyboard.

cons:
-easy to show dust/dirt
-can discolor (from white to kind of creamy color) overtime
-easily pick up any color that you might have from your finger (ink, water color, newspaper ink, etc)
-looks like old computer casing (you know..the white/cream color)

**comments about the black being easily scratched.
IMHO..it is not. the color is not made from regular soft paint. it has "rough" textures which makes it durable to scratch. It is true when you scratch it really hard with your finger, it will show some marks but you can wipe it off with wet towel. The marks is not scratch...it is residue from your skin/finger (grated against "rough" surface).

In the end, whatever color you choose will look good on FW. The design itself looks really good and clean. I got a lot of praises from my colleagues.

hope these helps.