can't decide whether to buy SZ650

i'm a little disheartened by the (slightly) negative reviews coming in thus far, and i'm apprehensive about buying from Best Buy (with their tempting $1899 offer), but i would buy a warranty direct from sony

i guess i'm really wondering if i can get what i THINK i'm getting with the sz650 in another comparable sony (or other brand) model for less money.
my main priorities are: lightweight, battery life, speed, minimal heat/fan noise, and ability to hold a good number of photos/music

any thoughts? maybe i am too indecisive and should just go for it?

 

Are you looking for gaming power?

 

none whatsoever!

 

And you really want a 13.3" screen, or just something small and light?

 

just something small and light really, but i don't think i'd want to go below 13.3"

 

You could check out the Dell Latitude D630, which has phenomenal battery life. You could also look at the Asus W7s. And there's the HP 6910p, which I believe also has a modular battery bay. All of those are pretty light.

 

what kind of return policy does dell have, if any? i'm assuming none if you customize..?

 

I don't think any of these lappys are viable alternatives to the SZ. Sony wins this one hands down based on feature set, but particularly because of its terrific screen. Our own Lisa Gade, a new NBR forum member, wrote a great SZ review at Mobile Tech Review:

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Sony-Vaio-SZ650.htm

 

the review was really helpful--it is indeed reminding me of every reason i am considering the sz650--decisions, decisions!

 

What feature set are you talking about, specifically? And I agree that the Xbrite screen is better than the Dell and the HP, but in terms of quality it's not any better than the Asus screen. And yes, all of the above options are viable alternatives to the SZ based on the OP's criteria:

 

I'd say the Dell 1330 is the closest thing to the SZ6 with the only places the SZ loses is Vram and VT bios support. The SZ is a better price than the Dell.

 

i'm looking at the 6910p now, do you happen to know how much it weighs? or any MAJOR pros or cons versus the sz650?

 

It starts a 4.7lbs, with most configurations it will weigh around 5.2lbs

 

The Asus U3 thats coming out seems to stand up pretty well to the SZ650.

 

A new player just entered the game and it is intriguing... Toshiba Satellite U305-S5127
Compared to the SZ (which I do love), its only 8 oz heavier; no WWAN (but does have express card slot) or LED screen but does pack a Santa Rosa chipset and almost ever other feature you would want in this class... at an out the door price of $1300!!!
Amazon has a $75 rebate on it and about 7 user reviews to look at here:
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-U305-S5127-Notebook-Processor/dp/B000S5TY40/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-2969957-8685736?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187723374&sr=8-2
If you want to save some significant cash I'd give it a look.

 

Vaio SZ650