VAIO is Okay-O
Written: Oct 20 '02
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Pros: Very large 16.1" screen, all the bells and whistles
Cons: Floppy not included; no calendar software
The Bottom Line: I would suggest it highly to anyone who desires a top-quality laptop with a large screen, at an affordable price.
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| The_T_Meister's Full Review: Sony VAIO GRX560 PC Notebook |
I finally did it. After years of yearning, I broke down and bought a laptop. As usual, however, those years did not go to waste - I knew what I needed, versus what I wanted, versus what was available As for price, I had "window-shopped" enough to know what was a good deal, and what was not.
My Sony VAIO PCG-GRX560 was a great deal.
My computing needs are hardly complex, I must admit, and I really didn't need such a state-of-the-art system. I require my computer to perform rather simple tasks: word processing, accounting, internet, digital photos and music, and running Spider Solitaire (to which I am addicted). With a Pentium 4-M, 1.6 GHz, 30 GB hard drive and 256 megs of RAM, the Vaio is more than capable of doing whatever I want - then again, so was every other available newer-model notebook computer on the market. Therefore, the real decision involved my desires: screen size and resolution, software bundles, auxiliary drives, keyboard ease of usage, and reliability.
SCREEN SIZE AND RESOLUTION
It was of the utmost importance to me that I have a large screen with crystal-clear resolution. See, I'm a professional writer and, like many of my ilk, I'm essentially lazy and thus only work when the mood strikes me. For instance, when I decided to write this epinion, I was reclined on my La-Z-Boy sofa, sans eyeglasses. The eyeglasses, you see, become the point of demarcation between the Vaio and its competitors in this situation, since I require their usage full-time. Yet, I don't need them due to the screen on this computer. In fact, I'm still reclined on the La-Z-Boy right now, and I still am not wearing my glasses. Just think, a month ago I would have been forced to walk an entire 5 steps to pick up my eyeglasses before doing this ... I shudder to think how primitively I once lived.
The screen is extremely clear - vivid, even - and the 1" difference between the 15.1" and 16.1" screens is much more than one would imagine. Out of the box, however, there was some concern due to the extremely small font size due to the default resolution (1200 x 1600), and this had to be adjusted right off the bat. However, it was not a difficult task and I managed it without even having to consult my teenage son for advice. Another first.
When the computer is running on battery mode, the screen changes considerably - it darkens, and seems to lose some sharpness - and must be adjusted. While this is an inconvenience, the computer will alert you to the reason for the change, along with instructions on how to avoid such a drastic alteration in the future. A few simple steps, and the screen setting is set up to change with the power mode. That's a pretty convenient notification system, I must say, which saved me a lot of unnecessary angst.
SOFTWARE BUNDLES
The VAIO comes standard with Windows XP, which would not have been my first choice for an operating system. However, all the other laptops under consideration came with it as well, so I simply resigned myself to it; after all, I can always change that if it becomes too much of an annoyance. In the meantime, it did include all of the standard programs that come with a Windows system, and that's a plus.
The remainder of the software includes such illustrious titles as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, SonicStage (a very nice digital music program), Intervideo (DVD player), Quicken 2002, Everquest, and a host of other programs that I have yet to figure out. Chances are that, if I haven't decided what they're used for, I don't need them; so, in the meantime, they're just toys for me. Also included is VAIO support and P-Cillin anti-virus software. All in all, a very nice selection.
Once I got it home, however, I realized that a very vital element was missing: none of the software included a calendar! As disorganized as I tend to be, without a calendar I was doomed. I ended up having to purchase software to make up for this, which is not a great feeling when it's something so basic and brand-new computer. In fact, I'm still a little upset about that.
AUXILIARY DRIVES
The Vaio includes a combination CDRW/DVD drive, as well as a proprietary drive for Sony MemorySticks. Since I have a Canon digital camera, and MemorySticks only work in Sony products, I have no use for it unless in the future I purchase a compatible Sony product (how convenient for Sony). The CDRW/DVD works great, I have no problem with it whatsoever.
However - and I thought this was strange - it does not come with a built-in floppy drive. Sure, almost everything is on CD these days and it appears that 3.5s are being slowly phased out, but those of us who have been using computers for a while still have floppy disks that we may need to access. I did purchase the optional external USB floppy directly from Sony for just such an eventuality, for which I paid an additional $80.00 including shipping. Better safe than sorry when working on a deadline in my business - and I have years of irreplaceable research on those floppies. [NOTE: Since this was technically an accessory, I did not include it in the Epinions "amount paid" column.]
KEYBOARD EASE OF USAGE
Unlike almost all of its competitors, the VAIO passed this test with flying colors - it's just like typing on my desktop keyboard. I'm thrilled with it.
RELIABILITY
I have not had one iota of trouble from either the hardware or the software, even when I became engrossed in a story and accidentally let the battery run low (it shuts itself off at 10% to avoid data loss). See, even a functional idiot like me can use this system without worry ... and, believe me, that's saying something.
OTHER
The VAIO has so many USBs that I haven't even begun to use them all. Furthermore, another optional piece of equipment can be purchased, which attaches to the bottom of the laptop and converts it into a small desktop - pretty cool trick, I must admit, and it can be had for about $160.00.
This laptop can be used right out of the box - it includes both a battery and AC adapter (although the battery is not fully charged, it's more than enough to get it set up and plugged in).
The RAM is upgradeable to 524K, and Sony external hard drives are readily available and easily affordable for additional hard data storage upgrade.
Replacement batteries are quite expensive, however (about $200.00), so use the AC power whenever possible.
I purchased the extended warranty, at another $200.00 for three years - roughly the cost of a replacement battery without allowing for inflation. This warranty is all-inclusive and, though I normally don't suggest buying them, I would encourage any laptop user to do so. After all, it is an expensive piece of equipment which is being moved around, and therefore is far more likely to become damaged than a stationary item.
The VAIO is not as easy to tote around as other laptops, simply due to the increased screen size. However, I had no problem finding storage for it and its accessories - without paying the enormous price Sony wanted for a laptop case - with the combination of a freestanding zipper laptop insert (readily available at Best Buy) placed in the heavy-duty leather briefcase (larger than standard) that I already use. The weight of the laptop is not significantly increased by its larger dimensions, thank goodness.
All in all, I am very happy with my VAIO GRX560, and I believe any laptop consumer would be well advised to consider it a viable option.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1600.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: Greater than 15 inches
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
The_T_Meister
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Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Reviews written: 84
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me:
Memberships: National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, The Author's Guild
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