College Laptop Vaio Sa13 vs Envy 15 3200

[DavidElias]

So I've narrowed down my choice to these two laptops. On paper the Envy should win in screen, sound, thermals, performance, 3yr onsite ADH warranty. However, the Vaio sa13 wins in portability and battery life and can still play some games well, and someone made a screen calibration tweak to improve the screen. The only game I'll really be playing is GW2 on occasion. I'll only really be walking for 10minutes at most on campus, but I already own a 6lb notebook, and they can be heavy to lug around. So, basically, I cant decide between one notebook or the other.

1) What is your budget?
$1400 must include a 3year warranty.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?

c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
USA

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

b. Dislike: Acer
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
No.
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Music, movies, word, GW2, maybe some CAD.
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Taking it all over campus.

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
Guild Wars 2 and AC3

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
5hrs+

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
I'd prefer to see it, but online is ok.

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.
1600x900 or higher
13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Somewhat
15) When are you buying this laptop?
Within 2 weeks
16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
3-4years

[usapatriot]

You will inevitably end up carrying it around with you more than you think. For this reason, I think the smaller size and lower weight of the S13 would make it more worth your while than the larger Envy. However, the GT640LE in the S13 is a midrange card, don't expect to max out any newer gamers like AC3 with it, especially at 1600x900.

Within your budget is the Vaio S13P which is slightly thinner and lighter than the standard S13 albeit a bit more expensive. If you go through the Sony Education Store you should be able to get either model under $1000 depending on your configuration even with the 1600x900 display and GT640M last time I checked.

[Mize]

If the bios mod ever gets updated to support the newer S13 then that 640LE is quite the overclocker - pushes 650M perf without overheating.

[ctenc001]

If the bios mod ever gets updated to support the newer S13 then that 640LE is quite the overclocker - pushes 650M perf without overheating.

You can still readily find windows 7 versions on Amazon.com both new and refurb/open box. If you dont mind Like new/ open box, i've seen them posted for as low a $679 but they go fast. Typically you can easily get one for around $740-$800. This is the S13P with the 640LE and I5.

Then just buy aftermarket insurance although I don't know if you can get in house repair this way.