VAIO S Series 13.3" Signature Laptop

[Pinera17]

Im in the market for a laptop and have heard some good things about Sony so started doing some research on them about a month ago. This model the VAIO S Series 13.3" Signature Laptop seems to have the best specs for not too crazy of a price. Have had some trouble finding reviews on this model so just wanted to see if i could get some feed back on what you guys think about this specific one or what is the best for around the 1500-2000 price range. Im open to anything so let me know what everyone thinks. Thanks!

VAIO S Series 13.3" Signature Laptop
VPCSA3SGX/X
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Features: 13.3" LED backlit display, 6GB RAM, 500GB (7200rpm) HDD, Blu-ray™ player, AMD graphics, HDMI® out, USB 3.0

Signature Collection Core i7 Laptop | VAIO S Series 13.3" Signature Laptop | VPCSA3SGX/X | Sony USA

[Mr MM]

terribly overpriced.

[Ryan]

That is very overpriced..

Why not a Z if you are in the range of 2k?

[Pinera17]

I like the Z very much other than the idea of an external bd drive and graphics card...I do some gaming and will be using the game for work and travel and feel that will hold me back some what. Is the z an excellent computer?

[Ryan]

Z is the Sony flagship, and thus they manufacture it in Japan with the highest quality components.

The SA has a horrible screen, and has worse build quality than the Z.

But of course, if you don't like the idea of a PMD, there is no choice but to choose the SA.

[darxide_sorcerer]

Originally Posted by Ryan

The SA has a horrible screen, and has worse build quality than the Z.

SA has a horrible screen compared to Z's screen. it's an average LCD screen otherwise, and most other LCD panels are as "horrible" as SA's compared to that of Z. as for build quality, i don't think your statement is correct at all.

but yes, $2k is way overpriced for a VAIO SA.

[Achusaysblessyou]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Z is the Sony flagship, and thus they manufacture it in Japan with the highest quality components.

The SA has a horrible screen, and has worse build quality than the Z.

But of course, if you don't like the idea of a PMD, there is no choice but to choose the SA.

I also don't think you're right about the build quality. The SA's hinge (no more hinges) are much sturdier than the current Z's. The previous Z's problem was their hinges and the new Z looks a little flimsy to me (not say they are, just that it looks flimsy)

Anyways OP, since you're in the US, try to wait for a Sony Outlet coupon (it's usually posted here) that'll give you 20% off a laptop in the Outlet. Or, if you have a friend, order one through the education store (I dont think they really check)

edit: not sure what you guys mean by $2k... the one the OP linked is $1.7k... although with taxes I guess it's $2k

Actually, I'd do a CTO (customize to order) instead and skip the 4->6GB memory upgrade (you can buy 8GB of RAM for $30 on a sale these days, but since you only need 1 4GB stick, it'll cost like $15-$20) and don't upgrade the hard drive form 500GB to 750GB.

So, stock plus i7 ($250), Blu-Ray ($100) and sheet battery($150) for $1499.

You have to ask yourself if you need the i7 as the i5 also has hyperthreading and for 95% of the time (maybe even higher) you won't EVER notice the difference. So if you go with the i5, it's $1250 which is a pretty good price (and $1150 if you don't need blu-ray)

just checked the education store and it's $1425 with the i7 + blu-ray and sheet battery

[Steve78]

ThinkPad T420s is a fine alternative to the S series. I have been issued one by my company and it's absolutely fantastic.

Of course the Z series is still the ultimate notebook...

[ascariss]

I would definitely not buy this. I'd drop the blu ray unless you really need it, drop the 6gb of ram and upgrade yourself and opt for the cheapest harddrive and get a SSD yourself and if you don't need win 7 pro, just go for the standard win 7 offered.

Sure it has carbon mesh but if I would be getting such an expensive S, I would save up and go for the cheapest Z.

[Pinera17]

I was also curious if I should wait for IB processors? Would that be worth waiting for or should I just get an s/z now....I'm not really in a huge hurry so waiting would be ok if it was worth it.