Sony FW vs. Lenovo T500

[compdude93]

I'm thinking about getting a new laptop for school and need something that will definitely last the next few years. So far, I've whittled my choices down to one of the new Sony FW's and the Lenovo T500. I would like to see what you guys think about which one I should get. I would probably be doing a lot of programming and some simulation on my laptop, in addition to a lot of multitasking and carrying the thing around. Also, i'll be putting Ubuntu linux as well on it, so hardware compatibility with it is another thing to consider.

The main question that I want to put out there is whether or not 16.4 inch screen on the FW, in addition to the Full HD (1920x1080) screen, is worth getting the FW over the T500's CCFL WSXGA+ TFT screen?

[Johnny T]

The T500 will be the far better option. it is more portable, however light the FW might be it's size will hinder you. The T500's battery life is also far superior. If you really want the WUXGA screen there are other options, but a WSXGA+ should be fine.

if you are looking for other possible options, pelase fill out the FAQ. Thanks and welcome to NBR.

Johnny T

[compdude93]

Thanks for the reply!

General Questions

1) What is your budget?

$1200 maximum

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Prefer Sony, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, dont really like HP (had bad experience with them)

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?

Simulations, programming, LATEX, using office suite, installing ubuntu on separate partition, watching DVDs and web videos, connecting to wireless networks 100% of the time

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

different places

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

nope

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?

4-5 max

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?

yes, although seeing it in person would be preferable

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

either is fine

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

either is fine

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

yes

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?

3-4 years
Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?

100 gb is enough

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

DVD burner, Blu-Ray drive not really necessary

[stamar]

ya the wuxga screen is also full hd.

I would not get the sony just because you want to see hd movies on the native screen.

You can get a dell vostro with a wuxga screen that is also full hd

I like the t500 more than the sony

[compdude93]

I guess I'll stick with the T500 then. Any other thoughts? Has anyone heard of shipping problems with Lenovo after configuring online?