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    torn between 2 laptops....

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by rani, Jan 12, 2005.

  1. rani

    rani Newbie

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    i have a choice between 2 sony laptops...one is a sony vaio A230 and the other a sony vaio B professional. the difference between the 2 is a. about $250 b. the B is 5.1 lbs while the A is 7.1 lbs c. the screen of the A is 15 inches while the B is 14.1 inches. d. the B has microsoft professional software. both have a cd-rw/dvd drive, and the same speed, memory, etc. i'm so confused! price is not a problem, i'd just like to know which would be a better choice if i'm the type who doesn't do alot of gaming, but like to download music and movies (may get an external DVD burner later), travels a good bit (but may not always carry laptop). thanks in advance!
     
    rani, Jan 12, 2005
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  2. soccr247

    soccr247 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i have the a240...the widescreen version of the a230. I wouldn't call it a traveling laptop. Assuming that you're not a) weak and b) will have a nice case...the weight shouldn't be too big of a deal. although it's a desktop replacement, it doesn't get hot and the fans are not loud at all.
    i think the deciding factor for you will be battery life. doing normal stuff: internet while listening to music and basic productivity like word, it usually lasts about 3 hours. the a230 might be longer though since the screen is smaller (maybe. just a thought). if you're using the computer and not using the internet, you can turn off the wireless card with the flip of a switch...which saves you some battery life as well.
    the laptop itself is extremely comfortable and not a hard change at all from a desktop. the keyboard is more than comfortable and the normal shortcuts are all there...don't need to use the fn key for them since they're all there. and of course, nothing can beat the xbrite for DVDs. the laptop handles them all beautifully (and that's with the lame radeon9200...i bet they're even better with teh upgraded 9700). if it's in the cards for you, the widescreen version is awesome for watching dvds. this series really is perfect for that kind of entertainment.
    i'm a student and the laptop stays stationary for the most part, and for that reason, the a series was a better buy for me. you'll just have to look and see if that's better for you. i got the laptop new for a steal at $1700 total (included shipping, taxes, etc.) and that was with at 15.4", 80gb hd, 256x2ram, wireless lan and a free wireless mouse. sony is more expensive than most, but it's worth the money.
    just think...how much will you really need this new notebook on the road. 3 hours usually isn't enough for most extensive travellers, so the b series might be better in that regard. the a series, though, is one of the best desktop replacement/nice for light travel laptops out there. hope it helps.
     
    soccr247, Jan 12, 2005
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