Are Sony Laptops any good?

[Ronstang]

I need a new laptop and from what I have seen it looks like Sony has all the features I want at a decent price. I want a 17" unit with blu-ray and a core i7 with a discreet graphics card and a backlit keyboard. The Sony unit comes in right at $1K which is about what I want to spend.

As long as Sony makes a decent laptop I really don't care about brand but I don't know ANYTHING about laptops. Is there a better brand anyone suggests with the same features in the ballpark on price?

Thanks

 

[asutke781]

Take the model number and Google it to look for professional reviews of the laptop. Brand doesn't matter as much as performance. Some well known brands will produce a laptop which has huge problems but others that are amazing. For example Lenovos U410 has huge Wi-Fi problems but the U510 does not. Without more information we can't tell you if the Sony model you want is good.



Posted from Anandtech.com App for Android

 

[crab0]

Brand doesn't really matter unless they have extra fantastic/terrible/non-existant support in your country or you have some discount with them.

 

[C1]

Besides being proprietary, Sony parts are hideously expensive. Dont be surprised to run into all kinds of DRM even in firmware.

 

[Aristotelian]

I use a fully upgraded Sony Vaio Z Series and it is far and away my best laptop experience to date. That might not carry over for their other models. I have used Dell, HP, and Apple laptops previously.

 

[Tushaar]

In Thinkpads/Business laptops I trust.

 

[lovelaptops]

First, I agree with all the other caveats: you need to be clear exactly which model you're looking at and for what needs. Still, I will provide a generalized Sony owner's perspective:

I have been using Sony Z laptops for years and they are always years ahead of competition on features and performance - but also over priced (I generally buy lightly used, clearance or refurbished) and while very reliable operationally and electronically - never had a need for service - they are usually rather fragile physically, and you have to be pretty careful transporting them, using a strong, protective case. Also, in the US at least, their customer/tech support is quite poor. Again , I have not had any major problems, but they are bad enough with minor problems plus I read many Sony owners forums such as at notebookreview dot com. Besides taking good care of your laptop, I can also advise getting a third party extended warranty, such as Square Trade, who is far more responsive on service problems - or accidental breakage - and will resolve you case in full with either a repair, replacement or check for original purchase price. Look them up; they have a sterling rep.

Good luck