thinkpad x1 vs vaio SA25GX/SI - talk me into the SA?

Both options cost the same, and I realize that spec-wise, this comparison may seem like a no brainer. However, I am a former thinkpadder (14in, 1440x900) who is clumsy and travels a lot- so I am having a hard time giving up the idea of mil-spec durability + great keyboard........and unfortunately, I cannot see either machine in person before ordering!

My needs are also really simple- ms office + streaming video + video chatting- absolutely no games. Higher res would be really nice, but it is not a necessity for my usage. I also made good use of lenovo service with my previous computer- so I would probably get a squaretrade warranty if I went with the sony. I also want to use the computer for 4+ years (end of college + grad school- incl. a 7 month study abroad in rural israel)

Should I try to come to my senses and choose the SA?


Vaio SA25GX/SI open box ~$970

13.3" Widescreen LED backlight TFT 1600 x 900 ( WXGA++ ) Core i5 2410M / 2.3 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 128 GB SSD + 128 GB SSD - DVD-Writer - Radeon HD 6630M / HD Graphics 3000 - 3G Mobile Broadband - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.1 EDR - TPM - fingerprint reader - Windows 7 Pro 64-bit - camera- residual of 1 year onsite warranty

Thinkpad x1 129126U open box ~$950 (+$150 for slice battery)

Core i5 2520M / 2.5 GHz - vPro - RAM 4 GB - HDD 320 GB - HD Graphics 3000 - 3G Upgradable - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 - TPM - fingerprint reader - Windows 7 Pro 64-bit - 13.3" Widescreen LED backlight Premium TFT 1366 x 768 - camera- residual of 3 year depot warranty

 

<strike>From your shortlist I'd get the SA.</strike> If the shortlist included a Lenovo X220 and Asus U24E then I'd be looking at those instead. U24E is available in u7-2620M form for ~$750. It has a socketed CPU so could put a i7-quad in there http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...us-u24e-review-owners-lounge.html#post8065986 . Asus U36SD another one that I'd get over a X1. 14" Toshiba R840 with 900P LCD worthy of consideration if the hi-res LCD is necessary.

See the thin-and-light link in my sig for a comparison by weight of these and more.

 

IMO, if the thinkpad warranty is global.... go for the thinkpad. The SA is decently built, and well thought out, yes, however, there are minor quibbles with it's overall design and material choice (hinge placement is the first; hinge type is the second) that don't lend to great strength. Also, the painted surface, IMO, of the SA is more prone to scratches vs the dyed plastic of the thinkpads. Again, that's just IMO, and per-person.

 

I believe US warranty from sony is honoured in europe, this is what I was told by the rep here, but I'd check to be sure.

 

That's good news and bad.

Good: the warranty (may) be honored
Bad: it's a Sony warranty - check around
In truth, anyone buying a Sony should get a Square Trade warranty. The first year, when Sony coverage comes first, is really not a problem: whatever happens, Sony will refuse to cover it, Square Trade will come through for you! (Ture.)

On the other hand, I don't think "rural Israel" is considered part of the EU, lol.

Not that I'm kidding ^ but on a more serious note:

I have yet to see the Asus U24E for sale anywhere. Also, is an 11.6" a substitute for a 13"?

I am a Sony fanboy, but if someone tells me they are hard on their laptop and love the Thinkpad's durability, I am hard pressed to recommend the rather fragile SA. Further, the screen on the SA has the dubious distinction of being THE WORST of its kind. Plus it only has a one year warranty (wherever it's valid!)

The screen on the X1 is very bright, but the "Gorilla Glass" can be highly reflective, and the resolution is only 1366X768, but I would still take it over the SA's screen any day, unless you really need the extra resolution for work you do - in which case I might recommend the ASUS UX31 "Zenbook" for about the same money. The 3 years of wtty on the X1, plus it's wonderful keyboard (not the old fashioned "legendary" Thinkpad keyboard (which I never liked) but their "modern" version, which is a modified chicklet but with curved keys and - a TP first - backlit! Major downside of X1: lousy battery life. You must buy the sheet battery, because you only get 4 hrs on the internal one, 4 more with the sheet.

(This may be the first time I have ever recommended a Thinkpad, but you know it's carefully considered!

As for the Tosh, I have never seen that one in 900p actually for sale, or even listed for sale at these prices.

One problem with all of my recommendations: I make it a practice NEVER to disagree with NANDO!

Let's just call it some additional perspective. I do feel pretty certain that rural Israel is not in the EU, so if you're looking for possible wtty coverage there, better check the fine print.

 

I agree with lovelaptops. The X1 is more durable than the SA so I've scratched my previous recommendation. However, I stand by my suggestion to consider a Lenovo X220 for it's IPS LCD, 9-cell battery option, expresscard and durability.

 

thank you all so much for your thoughts!

- I returned a Toshiba Tecra R840 a few months ago b/c I disliked the keyboard too much to keep it - the keys were too slippery and flat. The asus ux31 keyboard makes it a non-contender.

-unfortunately, there is no way I could go smaller than a 13in machine comfortably, so the x220/u24e are both out.

-I figure the SA screen can't be any worse than my old thinkpad- so the bad reviews don't worry me TOO much.

-I will definitely get a squaretrade warranty if I go with the sony, and add Accidental damage protection to the thinkpad- though I am honestly not too concerned about repairs while in israel, I just need the computer to survive the trip

-I wanted to wait for the "thinkpad x1 hybrid" model to come out before making my final decision- but im pretty much out of time. I dont need android, but if it is the same price and the battery life claims are true- why not?

I may just present both machines as an option, and have my parents surprise me (xmas present).......but I am leaning toward the X1 b/c of the durability + keyboard. Here's hoping the x1 hybrid pricing gets announced soon.

 

I am humbled, most humbled, and honored. .
I do agree that the X220, the IPS screen version of course, is the best of all worlds. It will be a sad day when Express Cards are no longer available on the best laptops.

With respect, mmmmmmmmangoes, the difference between 12.5" and 13.1/3" is not noticed by the naked eye. This said, the X220 has a lot to be recommended over the X1, which would otherwise be my choice among the two you offered. That ExpressCard can bring so much flexibility to a notebook - it's the ONE expansion slot that exists (compare to 4, 8, 12 on a desktop!) but it's so useful. Also, though the IPS screen on the X220 is not of the quality usually associated with this display technology, and has notably limited color space (compared to the best screens in the biz, like the Sony Z), it is still a wonderful ultraportable screen and the computer around it (tee-hee) is excellent as well. Without an auxiliary battery you can get 6-9 hrs, with the best combo, north of 20! (vs. 4 or 8, w/o -with the sheet battery in the X1). It's about as powerful as the X1, as you can equip it with similar components. The screen is not as bright, but it has nearly infinite viewing angles and no glare.

Hmmmm....for the X1, I love the "new' TP keyboards, so I would give the X1 the nod here, and I really love backlit kbs - once again, among the TPs, the X1 is the only game in town. I also find the X1 to be a better finished product, "smoother" all around, a bit thinner, if the sheet battery isn't too heavy, and you can afford it, though my practical side says go with the X220, I think the "I want it" side of me would go with the X1. Oh, oh, here's the final reason (to go X1): amazingly for a TP, it has very good audio, far, far better than the other two (SA/x220).

I doubt I have helped you, but at least I've added more considerations to confuse you .

 

Unfortunately, the x220 is out of the question for me. It isn't just the screen size- the palm rest is too short for me- I cannot type comfortably at all. I also have a 1080p ips external monitor- so the screen is not a big draw.

The x1 webcam and audio are a big reason why I like the machine- especially since I have read that the speakers and webcam on the SA are sub-par- I really need to be able to videochat without issue (often without a headset)

I do feel a little shallow for considering an x1 (over, say, a T420s)- but since my needs are so simple I can go with something more "fun" right? I would go for a macbook air 13 if it didn't cost so much, $1200 + ~$250 applecare (+ the uni in israel discourages macs)- I also think I would break it in a week.

 

I completely forgot about the short deck on the X220; you are absolutely right. Don't feel "shallow" for liking the X1; it's a very highly regarded product, and if you can accept its few limitations (glossy screen, low cap. battery - need sheet) it is a great choice. The T series is great if you are in the military, lol, but if you are a "normal' person, the X1 is a far more modern and user friendly computer, with all the "good stuff" of the Tp line. Go for it!

 

Well-- the X1 is on its way. The price dropped to $742- $800 incl tax and shipping. (the SA w/o ssd is $799 right now at B&H, just an fyi)

God knows what I will do if I dont like it- I have instant buyers remorse (gift from my parents, but still)- but that is normal for me- feels weird to buy without seeing it, considering the mixed reviews.

cross your fingers for me everyone! and thanks so much for all of the advice, you all are wonderful!