Tiny Fast & Powerful, but at a cost
Written: Dec 19 '03
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Pros: Great Power, Great Mobility, has WiFi & BlueTooth, crystal clear screen, awesome battery life
Cons: 16MB video card is terrible, no latch for screen, weird case design, only 2 USB
The Bottom Line: Great laptop, but Sony tech support is terrible. Any problems = HUGE BILL unless covered.
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| mforeman's Full Review: Sony VAIO Z1RA PC Notebook |
Sony was the last of the major computer manufacturers to jump into the "Centrino" market, but finally utilized the new Pentium M processor to do something distinctly un-Sony. For the past few models Sony has put the most software, hardware, and raw power into its notebooks, making a wide array of portable desktops. With the Z1 series (and the 505DX) Sony delved into the ultra-mobile ultra-portable ultra-powerful realm, and keeping it all under 5 pounds, something HP and Dell haven't been able to do.
Perhaps the slickest looking laptop, the Z1 joins incredible power (the 1MB L2 Cache acts like a turbo) and great battery life (8 hours with word processing only, 5-6 hours with normal use [surfing web, music, etc]). This highly mobile unit that is roughly 3 inches thick and under 16" diagonal, brings portability to a whole new level.
But there are problems, the unit has no front latch on the screen, meaning it has no mechanism to keep it closed. The software is scant for a Sony, a company notorious for putting everything except the kitchen sink on its computers. Furthermore, at over $2000, and with the state of tech service from Manufacturers (Not as bad as Dell, but still poor), I reccomend getting the extended service plan from wherever you get this computer. the $300+ price tag may seem hefty, but it could save a headache later as new screens will run you $700 with installation, and remember, EVERYTHING from the 802.11b to the video card is on the motherboard, which must run over $400 just for the part.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2200
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 14 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
mforeman
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Location: From NY but living in PA
Reviews written: 99
Trusted by: 24 members
About Me:
Law School Student @ Penn State, The Dickinson School of Law
JD '07
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