Sony VAIO VGN-A690

Pros: Lrg Bright Screen, DVD Double Layer Drive, Quite and Cool, Great Sony Software, Almost every port you ever needed, External Speakers sound as good as they look with volume control, ETC!!!!!

Cons: Internal Speakers suck (but it IS a laptop), all in one disk reader for SD formats, 400mhz ram when could be 533mhz

Summary: I bought mine in June of 05 and I love this laptop. I was looking at the Dell inspiron 9300 and the XPS Gen 2, but everytime I put in the same specs as the A690 the price became rediculous. I know everywhere its stated that this baby runs around $2800, but then I got a sweet deal from compusa. For the 2900 price I not only got the Sony vgn-A690, I also got a linksys wcg200 wireless gateway (modem/router combo, no more renting modems from isp AND I got a 3yr extended warranty that includes screen protection. The actual system was under the 2k mark. I play a mulitude of games including live online RPG (guild wars, diablo, warcraft, etc) and I have no complaints. The sony software that is include is amazing!! I use the TV record feature all the time, and the burn to DVD software is very friendly. The screen is so freaking bright I usually have to turn it down a notch. Its a big system but I found a wonderful small looking padded backpack from centrios that fits the 17" monster screen that doesnt make me look like Im going camping, and now I take it back and forth to work with me consistantly. The sony tech support, especial over the phone, have been nothing but wonderful. They have so much knowledge and have been so nice and patient with any questions I have had. My only "wishes" were that it had Kardon internal speakers, the ability to read all disk formats (i.e. sddisk for cameras, though it does have a PC card slot in order to do the upgrade), and that it had a dvd slot rather than a bay that pops out, but then again you would not be able to swap it out as easily. I would definitely recommend this laptop to anyone for buisness or pleasure (though its kinda bulky for the plane), it can definitely take anything you throw at it.