Hi,

I'm looking for 15 inch laptop, and I'm torn between two laptops: Sony Vaio FW series vs Dell M1530.

Here are the specs:

SONY FW <-link
Intel® Core 2™ Duo Processor T9600 (2.8GHz/1066Mhz)
Vista 64 BIT
4GB DDR2 @ 800Mhz
250GB SATA 7200rpm
Blue-Ray Read/Write
ATI HD 3650 512MB
LCD 16.4" Xbrite-Full HD (while still having 15.4" body)
WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
Dolby Home Surround
1.3MP camera
PRICE: $2,149

DELL M1530 <-link
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9500 (2.6GHz/800Mhz)
Vista 32 BIT
4GB DDR2 @ 667Mhz (since it's a 32 BIT, only 3GB of RAM is utilized)
250GB SATA 7200rpm
Blue-Ray Read/Write
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
15.4" Full HD LCD
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Sound Blaster Audigy HD
2.0MP Camera w/Bluetooth
AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress ATSC TV Tuner w/ Media Center Remote Control
PRICE: $2,384

Overall: Sony has better specs: faster cpu, faster ram, better video, wider screen and mac style keyboard.... BUT Dell has the Tv Tuner with Media Remote... And as far as I know, Sony laptops do not have a media remote.

So which one? Or can I get something better with similar prices? Thanks.

 

Get a macbook

 

Let me narrow it down to one from the above, then I'll compare it to the mac... In reality it is the same hardware as in the Mac, I may do a dual boot Vista and Leopard....

 

Sony, I can't stand Dell

 

I had a Sony a long time ago and it crapped out quite often. So I can't really offer much input. I'd go with Dell. And although I've always been a PC guy I really like Macs.

 

Since each machine is basically the same, how much are accessories for each? Liek spare batteries, new power cords, docking stations, etc...

 

I didn't know you could dual boot pc's now too, that's pretty nifty. I've heard that the new macbooks run vista better than most pc's.... Idk i've grown partial to macs since i got one and had no problems since I got it 2-3 years ago

 

Specs alone, I would say the Sony wins out on almost all points. The camera is only a 1.3 vs. Dell's 2 MP though.


I know some people hate it when they suggest other things they didn't offer in the original post, but I would have to go with everyone else, and at least suggest that you look into a MB or MBP. I've had my MBP for about 4 months now and I love everything about it. It took about 3 weeks or so before I was truly comfortable with everything...learning curve and all. But ever since, I couldn't be happier.

At least for me, it seems easier and more user friendly than PC's.



But if you are considering just the two you posted, I would definitely go with the Sony over the Dell.

 

Sony... >>> Dell

 

Cool, so most are leaning towards Sony...

Macs are nice, but I do a lot of coding, and I'm just a PC kind of guy.

 

Sony is cheaper... Extended battery for example, 8 hour from sony is 100 bux, from dell it is 170. The main difference I see between Sony and Dell, is the video card, ATI 3650 512MB is def. better... I've been playing with this for a week already.

 

So if Sony has the cheaper accessories and has the better video card, what's stopping you?

 

The only reason why I'm adding Blue-Ray to the laptops is so I can watch blue-ray thru hdmi anywhere I go... But Dell has that stupid media remote which is pretty convenient

I've sent an email to Sony, asking them if they are ever planning on releasing bluetooth remote for their laptops... Awaiting reply.

 

Dell just told me that I have to give them $200 for a new battery to replace the useless 1 year old battery I currently have.

I think not.

 

^^

If that's the only thing Dell has over Sony for you, I would check to see if any 3rd party companies sell remotes that would be compatible.

 

Can a mod add a poll?

 

I didn't think of it, a poll is a good idea, thanks!

And I just looked at the mac book pro:
2.53GHz
* Intel Core 2 Duo
* 15-inch widescreen
* 4GB Memory DD3 <-Awesome
* 320GB hard drive1
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 512MB <- Awesome
* Ships: 3-5 business days
* $2,499.00 ouch.

 

Dell

 

fixed.

 

Do you guys think the Sony FW will provide enough light from the screen to see the keyboard at night? (Not that I look at it, but I do need a sense of home keys before starting)...

Or should my search continue to find a backlit keyboard? which so far only features on Alienware, Mac and Dell 15 Studio... Alienware insanely expensive, Mac is Mac, Dell 15 Studio really basic specs.

 

Ya my sister got a brand new Dell M1530 Red a few months ago for about $2000. After using it a few times she decided she wanted an Apple instead. Thanks to the fact that she doesn't know much about computers and the fact that yes I am taking advantage of her, she sold it to me for $700. I'd take that over a Sony ANYDAY

 

both of those laptops are really high end and being so expensive, i'd go with the one with the better warranty. the quality control on the dells probably isn't as good as the sony, but even just assuming the dell is crappier u could get a 2, 3 or 4 year warranty and even if u break the thing, dell will probably come out and fix it.

with the flagship xps line, there is a separate phone number for support and the customer support is pretty dang good imo. dell frequently runs 15% off of any refurbished/previously ordered new laptops in their outlet if u sign up for the email newsletter. hell, u could order one new or from the outlet and if you don't like it, just return it within 20 days and buy the sony. can't beat that.

btw, make sure all of the programs u wanna run are 64-bit compatible if u go with sony.

 

How important is a backlit keyboard to you?
Most laptops if nothing else, have the little grooves that lets you know where the home keys are. It may be a little annoying but don't sacrifice quality or end up paying a bunch more just for a lit keyboard....unless it's THAT important to you. It's nice to have a backlit keyboard on my MBP, but I would have still bought it even if it didn't.

Just a thought.

 

The Sony. You can add a TV tuner for less than a $100 I just bought one about 2 hours ago for $80. I'm not really fond of the idea of a TV tuner on a laptop I'd rather a laptop work a Media Center Extender. A 2.0mp camera is still gonna be downsized when you send video over the nets so resolution doesn't really matter. Plus it's 64 bit and more secure and will make full use of the 4gb of RAM.

 

I was going to get an M1530 until I spotted the HPdv5t. Superior machine and if you search around on, you can get coupon codes that save you a ton. I LOVE LOVE LOVE mine and I'm real glad I got it instead of the Dell.

Here's a review of it...
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4555

 

If i were u I would either go with a dell or a compaq. In my opinion these seem to be the most reliable name brands out. If you are lookin for a great gameing machine check out alienware there sick but very expensive. I wouldnt go with a sony. I know this guy who has a viao and only had it for a yr and it is already broke. In my opinion sony only makes the Playstations and TVs well!

 

If you're prepared to spend $2300 on a laptop, why not consider that MacBook Pro? Dual boot all day long.

 

^ It's the whole learning curve.... I've been around IBM since 8 year olds... Plus I need it to be compatible with my work software, and it will not be, ever. I'm an e-commerce director, so computer is my life, and I am a PC, lol.

Dual booting is a nice feature but as mentioned above, the only thing MBP has over the Sony is the dual integrated video card and definitely better DD3 RAM.

Another cool thing about Sony, is the 12 month 0% APR, which is a nice addition, with free shipping. So I won't break the bank, considering I've lost a lot in the past weeks in stock and mutual funds.

I've been working with Dell for years, so they are definitely reliable, but surprisingly they are more expensive than Sony, and they don't even offer 2.8Ghz or a good video card for an XPS laptop, plus Sony for a small laptop is boasting a 16.4" viewing area... In regards to warranty, Sony is definitely more flexible and generous. And the accessories for Sony are cheaper... I was very very surprised....

Freaken decisions.

PS Let's not forget that Apple is weak on gaming...though I only play on my Xbox 360.

 

As Sarlacc stated, it really isn't as complicated as one might think. Sure, you're not gonna be a pro in a week, but it really comes pretty quick. It did for me at least.

 

See, this is another reason why I'm leaning toward Sony, they have Mac Book style keyboard, with spaced out keys, see the in the first post.

 

What does that have to do with it being backlit?

 

My friend actually bought this one few weeks ago at Best Buy for $800...amazing price... HP makes glossy laptops, I can't stand glossy things.

I work a lot in photoshop, which usually eats almost 2GB of RAM, and I'm working on quad-core at work... I need power laptop to work on without biting my lip and cursing.

Adobe better smarten up and start using video card GPU for rendering.

 

Spaced out keys will make it easier for me to find them even without them being backlit... This is not definitely not a priority for me, as long as I find my F and J, I'm good to go

 

The new MBP's have both spaced out keys AND a backlit keyboard.

 

I have N Draft DIR-655 D-Link Router, my friend bought the same one, he has Mac Book Pro (older)... We couldn't set up WAP2 at all...only basic WEP worked... Is this resolved with the new Mac? Or do I need Mac own AirPort?

 

Woo, forgot one main thing, I must have HDMI... Mac Book Pro? I've only seen DVI... not good enough (one cable for digital video/audio = better)...also no Blue-Ray...

P.S. I would only consider a Mac for it's OS...superior by far...

 

I'm sure there is some way to make it work, but I've always had airport.
Super easy, and it hooks up in no time. Much easier than other routers IMO.

But as far as the D-Link, I'm not sure.

 

I've never needed any use for either, but if that's a must for you, than I guess the MBP is out.

 

In terms of the glossy stuff, I hear ya there. I'm starting to hate it too, it shows fingerprints EVERYWHERE so I understand that. I didn't buy the computer for anything other than a useful office tool so I can't comment on the other items you desire so good luck in your search.

If I had to decide between your two choice, I'd go Dell. I know too many people with Vaio's that have had more problems than not so thats my

 

I def. need an hdmi output, connect to LCD and continue to work anywhere without carrying an adapter and plugging in wire for analog sound...

I guess I just made my decision.... but I def. love Mac OS X.... Why can there be a system of both worlds... Mac OS X on Sony's Specs