Customer Reviews

Sony VAIO VGN-SZ370P/C 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Double Layer / DVD?RW Drive)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally owned the VGN-S260P which I was very happy with (see my review on it). When it came time to replace that system (the LCD screen developed a serious defect) I looked at the "latest" Sony gear and found this system at a local retailer. All I can say is "wow".

So the good parts are that the system runs for a long time (4.5 - 5hrs measured) on the extended capacity battery. The screen is clear and easy to read, even in bright rooms. On the S260 I had complained about needing to use a 'Fn' key to access the home/PgDn/PgUp/End functions and those functions are promoted to first class keys with the 370. Performance is excellent, and the ability to turn off the nVidia graphics chip for non graphics intense applications is useful as well. This system uses an LED backlight (as opposed to a CCFL) and for me that makes the screen a bit "bluer" than the CCFL screens but not by much. I am an avid gamer and have thrown a number of games at this system and it handles them easily.

The system is compatible with batteries from the previous VGN-S series so I did not have to spend another $300 for an extended capacity battery, however the new versions of these batteries do have a bit more charge storage than the originals.

On the down side the system comes with Cingular's EDGE service/hardware. Which you can turn off but you can't easily get rid of the antenna on the right side of the machine. I worry I'll break that off at some point. Another area that has been annoying is that when coming out of hibernation the system is often hung in the "View Available Wireless Networks" task and the "SmartWi" configuration utility. Sometimes I have to hard reset by holding the power switch to get it back.

Access to the USB ports is easier on this system than the 260 (they are farther back) and the clumsy plastic doors are gone so plugging in ethernet cables are easier as well. Another huge improvement is that the fan exhaust is now facing back instead of to the right so my mouse hand is not overheated while using the system.

As with most laptops these days there are not serial or parallel ports, in this case even with the port replicator you are out of luck if you have a parallel printer. However when you are docked with the port replicator the system shows as having two ethernet ports, it isn't clear if that hardware is built into the port replicator or simply only accessible through the port replicator.

Sony continues the tradition of not offering restore CDs. You can burn your own, and there is about 8GB of disk space dedicated in a "hidden" partition to allow you to restore your system. Most of the demo software is now time limited so you get a demo of Microsoft Office that expires in 30 days etc. I find I remove most of the preloaded software as it is generally to crippled to be useful.

The 2GB of ram that comes with the system means pepper performance and with XP pro and Vista you get full advantage of the dual core CPUs. This laptop is faster than desktop of 2 years ago.

I like the external switch to disable the wireless. The fingerprint sensor works but seems rather gimmicky to me. There isn't a lot of documentation on the web or in the manuals on just how secure this is. Don't keep private data on laptops seems to continue to be good advice if you can avoid it.

Finally with a supplied multi-media reader the choices of flash items you can read without additional hardware has increased to include SD cards. Built in Firewire/i.Link is useful for digital camcorders.

Overall I'm very pleased with the system and I'm glad that I purchased it. I expect it to keep me happy for at least the next three years.

This is my second Vaio and after about 4 months I have it just the way I want it. I read allot of reviews before I bought it and they were mostly on target. Here are my personal additions.

First you need to buy an extended battery - I was very disaponted in the standard battery. When I replaced it with an extended battery I get 4 -5 hours on the battery - there are alternatives to the Sony branded extended battery at 60% of Sony list. I am very pleased with mine.

The screen is great - this is a backlit LCD and has great clarity and crispness. Many of the other SZ models are not backlit and there is a huge difference in readablity. My eyes are not what they used to be and the clarity of the screen allowed me to go down in size of the laptop - I am very pleased with the size and weight. I travel great distances every week and each reduced pound is like gold to me.

The keyboard on the laptop is great it has the look and feel of a full size keyboard. The rest of the machine is laid out slim and smart. Everything you need and 1 thing you don't. They include Cingular Broadband HW which is not my broadband NW of choice and a wacky little antenna. I have removed the antenna and have not suffered any consequences.

After about 2 months of using the system I decided enhance the usability in my home office. I added the Docking Station, 19 inch wide screen ViewSonic VX1935 wide screen and Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. Makes a world of differnce when I am in the office.

I also take advantage of the Nvidia high performance vidio card using the switch on the Vaio. On the road I put it in stamina mode for battery life and when I dock the laptop in the office I switch it to performance and I drive the external monitor in 1440 X 900 wide screen format and can drive the Laptop monitor and external monitor independently - now it does everything I want both on the road and at home.

I was a little wary of the price. It is a higher price point than its peers on the market but so far it it has proven to be more durable. Only time will tell if the extra investment was worth it. Although I have had more complements on the look of the PC than any other laptop I have had in the past, how can you put a price on that - LOL

Overall I'm very pleased with the system and I'm glad after 4 months and my additions to the landscape that I purchased it.

I compared every reputable manufacturer I could find and this was the lightest, most powerful laptop that had all the features I wanted (i.e. combo CD/DVD drive built in, < 4 lbs, screen > 13"). When the new Panasonic Toughbook Y5 is available, the only advantage it will have over this unit is .8" larger screen. The Sony has everything else and has the advantage of being available now.