Can I stay connected on the go?
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 12 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Great Blu-ray PC1 for School!!"
Pros: Blu-ray drive (Blu-ray rules!!), HDMI output, really bright screen, built in cam, amazing tech support ...alot more Pros plus its a Sony
Cons: None really, just that it is a little heavy and packed with tons of cr*p
Summary: This is my second Vaio notebook, my first was a Sony SZ, Sony makes great laptops. Having had the SZ for a while, this one feels a bit heavy, yet the screen size is worth it. I got this PC for school, and it has everything I might ever need, if not more. It has the right processor and screen size to run multiple programs, 200GB to store everything, a slot for a Verizon Wireless card to get work done, ability to read memory cards from any camera a friend might throw at you, a Blu-ray drive to back stuff up at the end of the quarter on a 50GB disk rather than using multiple DVDs or CDs, a VGA and S-Video output to plug it into the classroom projector, an HDMI output to plug it into an HD TV for Blu-ray viewing ...plus a lot more, what else could a college student want?? It also does a great job handling games since it has a DX10 8400 video card, just in case I get bored in class (or I could watch Blu-rays or listen to music with out turning on the PC too).
This great PC does have a few downs though. To begin with, Sony does pack it with tons of useless programs that slow it down, so make sure you get rid of these soon. The other downsides, at least for me, i the weight and size, cause I got used to my 3 pound SZ notebook.
None of the local stores had the VGN-FZ180U in stock, and i did not want to order it, the difference is that on the 180U you get Vista Ultimate. With thiss laptop you do get the option to upgrade to Ultimate for an extra $150, which is worth it. I upgraded to Ultimate and had a minor problem I'll discuss later. I also ordered a 2GB Patriot stick of RAM from newegg.com, so now will run at 3GB, which will make a huge difference. I really recommend getting RAM from newegg.com, as it costs less than Sony or other stores; 4GB (2 2GB sticks)will not run you over $400, Sony wants an extra $850 for 4GB on this laptop.
The problem I had when upgrading to Ultimate was the the Blu-ray drive would not play newer Blu-ray movies and would not play sounds. I usually figure these type of problems out, but couldn't this time. I did get the in-store warranty from MicroCenter, but I figured I rather call Sony than take it in. Sony tech support was amazing, they were very nice, did not treat me as if I had never used a PC, and knew what they were doing. I called in on a Sunday morning, and only had to hold for less than a minute to get someone. This was my second time calling Sony (I had to call them for my SZ a while ago), and both times tech support has been amazing (unlike Dell, I had to deal with them twice a while ago, they are the worst). I would recommend buying an in-store warranty, specially for students or those on the go plus getting accidental, but if you don't it is ok, Sony is great.
...This PC is simply amazing!!Updated
One other negative is the hard drive, Sony put in a 4200RPM rather than a 5400RPM or 7200RPM, there are times when you will notice programs saying (not Responding) on top, it takes a while to load stuff. It is not so bad though, just a few seconds slower than others. It works great with games, music and downloads though.
Where to buy
Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E/B (Core 2 Duo T7300 2GHz, 2GB RAM, 200GB HDD, Vista Home Premium):
$1,328.95
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$1,328.95 | No |
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