Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

[fhsieh]

i was wondering about one thing... in JAPAN the RGB model is marketed as the Photo Version... and the non-RGB model is marketed as the Video Version.

But in reality... wont the RGB model... do both Photo and Video better? SO isn't the RGB model really more of the "media" verison and the non-RGB model the "non-media" version?

Basically, yeah. But the market segment is way up there anyway so it's just choice of marketing terms -- I mean with such a high-spec high-price device, Sony (Japan) probably isn't keen on differentiating them as "pro" and "less-than-pro".

There is one difference that fits the "Photo" and "Video" model names: The Photo edition comes with a matte screen, while the Video edition is relatively glossy -- probably following the trend of glossy displays that make for richer blacks, most perceivable in video. And the retail "Video edition" (AW52) comes with 2x HDTV tuners, while the retail "Photo edition" (AW72) does not.

Interestingly enough, the Photo with its matte RGB-LED screen has the glossy piano-black exterior, while the Video with its glossy non-RGB-LED screen has the matte grey exterior.

[Derrida]

You can read some of the AW330 and AW350 series model configurations at this site (scroll down near the bottom of the Sony page):
http://www.jr.com/category/computers.../n/4294562521/

[swiftman]

I wonder if the price really came down? the RGB model on ^^ site is only 1599 starting. would make sense since the price of the panel probably came down in the past year.

[ajreynol]

still, not much of a line refresh if they're still stuck with a 9600M GT and C2D processors.

wake me when they slap a 9800M GT(S) and a Quad Core in it.

[tbNB]

... but did you also purchase yours from Costco online?

I ask because if you call the toll-free Costco Concierge, they'll promptly record your spacebar problem & give you a case #, that way your issue's documented. Don't have to, of course, to return within the Unconditional 90-day Return period.

One more thing I'm totally unsure of but recall reading a while back: Returning is just a matter of dropping off the merchandise at any Costco store; no shipping back or restock fee. Someone posed that question, might not have been you, yet I'm answering it here anyway. Hope whomever it was finds this info;-)

Yes, costco online, had it 48 hours later. And yes, returns are just a drop off at any costco. The space bar not registering is not happening all the time, just once in a while if my thumb gets lazy and wanders off the right hand side.

Good idea about getting a case number, but either way, the warranty on this through costco is 2 years instead of 1 which is another nice benefit.

I also found a youtube video that describes a repair for a similar issue on a VAIO SZ that may be the solution if it develops into a problem for me. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this AW so far.

[real-eyes]

Yes, costco online, had it 48 hours later. And yes, returns are just a drop off at any costco. The space bar not registering is not happening all the time, just once in a while if my thumb gets lazy and wanders off the right hand side.

Good idea about getting a case number, but either way, the warranty on this through costco is 2 years instead of 1 which is another nice benefit.

I also found a youtube video that describes a repair for a similar issue on a VAIO SZ that may be the solution if it develops into a problem for me. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this AW so far.

Yea, me too---got it quick, just 1 day ship time in So.Cal. (happy happy;-)

I MUST go check out your YouTube link--even if there's a slight chance of fixing this on my own then it's worth the effort (thanx). Besides, I'll probably learn something (never hurts). Whenever I've had keyboard repairs in the past, the whole KB was replaced--tho this is my very 1st spacebar-only trouble. Also the other laptops were not new at time of need.

Hope your spacebar thing remains stable/tolerable. Think I already mentioned, mine became lopsided after a while, bar slants downward on the right side (even when I'm not touching it). Middle and left side still function normally, so maybe if I wasn't righthanded it might be less annoying (altho after typing a while, becomes more than annoying With the mousepad being so far to the left (smack in front of the spacebar), so far my only workaround is to sit off center, to the left, so that my right thumb is more likely to strike the spacebar in its middle section (trying to ignore the unresponsive right third of the bar). The things we do for love(8~7

(T.Brooks)

[laptodd5]

wake me when they slap a 9800M GT(S) and a Quad Core in it.

That would be one hot notebook, in more ways then one.

[edgain]

still, not much of a line refresh if they're still stuck with a 9600M GT and C2D processors.

wake me when they slap a 9800M GT(S) and a Quad Core in it.

Better still, quad core and 9800M GT in SLI!!!
I´m with you on the statement! My aw is still top compared with these new line ups!

[real-eyes]

... which might explain why costco had such a good deal on the 160J/Q model at 'closeout' prices. This model is on amazon now for about $2K down from 2500. There will always be a newer, faster and more capable model (and usually just after you purchase!)

I hear you! This dynamic of newer-faster-smaller-cheaper is becoming faster & faster (talking advertising hype, aside from Moore's Law). And as you say--usually Right After you've labored over which one to buy then busted that move---here comes The New Stuff! Same just happened with my NEW cellphone (grrr-rrr-rr), only had it 3 mos.

Did a lot of business news reading @ Intel starting a couple yrs ago when the Core 2's (Merom) were 1st released (after the short-lived Core Duo), that Intel planned to become a lot more aggressive in marketing their C2D chips (many mfrgs not happy to go along). The only change I could find between the AW100 & AW200 was more CPU models @ varying price points--all still Montevina series. Unlike the release of the Core 2 Duo which was huge, or the Penryn which improved battery life etc, rarely are these changes significant IMO (tho never short on hype). My guess is that since you knew well enough to recognize the value of this AW160 deal when spotting it at Costco (w/few specs listed), then you already know @ this other stuff, too.

Hoping the US release of the AW300 w/also include something else new in the mix of upgrades/options like what ppl here are reporting & speculating. If not, I'm stickin' with what I have (lazy spacebar in an otherwise flawless AW160) - OR maybe go with a 290 (or 190) if returning this one.

[real-eyes]

Yes, costco online, had it 48 hours later. And yes, returns are just a drop off at any costco. The space bar not registering is not happening all the time, just once in a while if my thumb gets lazy and wanders off the right hand side.

Good idea about getting a case number, but either way, the warranty on this through costco is 2 years instead of 1 which is another nice benefit.

I also found a youtube video that describes a repair for a similar issue on a VAIO SZ that may be the solution if it develops into a problem for me. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this AW so far.

Watched the YouTube video you linked to & read the 1st page of posts there. Such an easy fix, helped a lot of folks! As demo'd, prior to the repair that FZ owner's spacebar didn't respond when pressing on either half unlike what we're experiencing w/right side only. Couldn't tell from the video, do the FZ & AW have same keyboard (island-type aka isolated)? Now I just need to get over the fear of making it so this poor spacebar isn't rendered uselessl --like what if I'm unable to get the key cover thingy back on right? ***YOU TRIED IT YET?***