[DanielBeal]

Sony VAIO have launched a new range on Thursday, and I'm planning on purchasing the E17 Series for University in September.

I'm quite keen in purchasing a laptop, which allows me to undertake all work, alongside viewing any programs on BBC iPlayer + HD Blu-Ray content.

The price is quite high, although I'm aiming at using the laptop for the three years which means in the third year I still need the laptop to be fairly on-par compared to the new technology that may be released.

I'm just wondering any thoughts on the model, and if I should consider any other options?

In addition, I'm concerned regrading Windows 8. I understand that the OS is being released soonish, although is this likely to be release before September.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by DanielBeal)
Sony VAIO have launched a new range on Thursday, and I'm planning on purchasing the E17 Series for University in September.

I'm quite keen in purchasing a laptop, which allows me to undertake all work, alongside viewing any programs on BBC iPlayer + HD Blu-Ray content.

The price is quite high, although I'm aiming at using the laptop for the three years which means in the third year I still need the laptop to be fairly on-par compared to the new technology that may be released.

I'm just wondering any thoughts on the model, and if I should consider any other options?

In addition, I'm concerned regrading Windows 8. I understand that the OS is being released soonish, although is this likely to be release before September.

Why don't you buy it before going to uni, so when they have installed Windows 8 on their laptop range, their shouldn't much problems.

[DanielBeal]

Ok, Thanks. Will Windows 8 be released if I ordered the laptop on 1st September?

[jam12]

Two things. New technology is released every 6 months/a year so in 3 years time computers will be vastly superior. That isn't to say a current laptop won't be usable though. I'm currently using a 4 year old £400 laptop which is still more than capable of doing everyday jobs e.g. browsing, office productivity, internet streaming. Don't get sucked into buying the "best" specs (something I've been guilty of in the past!) thinking the laptop will keep up with technology. The most important thing you should look in a laptop, imo, is the build quality. A laptop tends to fail due to wear and tear, not because the technology is old.

I wouldn't be too worried about Windows 8. As with any newly released OS, they are plagued with bugs and it is best to wait a year or so after the first service pack is released. Windows 7 is a very good OS (especially compared to Vista!) and should be fine for the forseeable future.

Hope that helps!

[DanielBeal]

Ok, Great. Thanks.

1) Yeah, it's the capability to undertake 'day to day' activities in three years, rather than keeping up with the latest technology.

In regard to the build quality, in terms of Sony VAIO how does this measure up?

2) Hmm, the potential bugs could become a issue. I think I'll try and purchase the laptop just before University, with Windows 7 as the preferred OS.

[jam12]

(Original post by DanielBeal)
Ok, Great. Thanks.

1) Yeah, it's the capability to undertake 'day to day' activities in three years, rather than keeping up with the latest technology.

In regard to the build quality, in terms of Sony VAIO how does this measure up?

2) Hmm, the potential bugs could become a issue. I think I'll try and purchase the laptop just before University, with Windows 7 as the preferred OS.

Windows 8 is due to be released in October but I wouldn't be surprised if its delayed. Either way, time is on your side so if you pick up a laptop in September you will still get Windows 7. They may offer a "free upgrade" to Win 8 anyway, if you purchase a laptop near its release. (they did this a few years ago).

I'm not entirely sure about the Vaio. Seems it has just been released so there hardly any reviews. It looks good value for money though (even though it is a Sony). I would wait till it hits the shelves so you can have a look for yourself - Johnlewis normally stock various Vaio models.

If you're planning on buying in September then I would sit tight a see what is released. We've just entered Q2 and with the introduction of the new Intel CPU's (Ivy Bridge), there will be many new laptops released during the summer.

EDIT: Another note. If you're gonna be using the laptop as a "media centre" and it'll be kept on your desk majority of the time, then a 17" screen is ideal. However, if you plan to carry it around a lot then I wouldn't go bigger than 15".

[DanielBeal]

Thanks

I'll visit some websites in the next few weeks and see if any customers have left reviews, as the laptop range isn't on any retail websites as of yet.

Sony does seem to produce products at a slightly higher premium than those brands with similar specifications, although it's great if you feel it's good value for money.

The laptop is able to be configured with upto Intel i7 (Ivy Bridge), although not too sure if they will release new CPU's nearer the time. Considering that jam12 stated that it's usually a cycle of 6 months, I'm assuming that the laptops will stick to these CPU's in September.

[jam12]

(Original post by DanielBeal)
Thanks

I'll visit some websites in the next few weeks and see if any customers have left reviews, as the laptop range isn't on any retail websites as of yet.

Sony does seem to produce products at a slightly higher premium than those brands with similar specifications, although it's great if you feel it's good value for money.

The laptop is able to be configured with upto Intel i7 (Ivy Bridge), although not too sure if they will release new CPU's nearer the time. Considering that jam12 stated that it's usually a cycle of 6 months, I'm assuming that the laptops will stick to these CPU's in September.

I would wait for an expert review before taking the plunge. They review hundreds of laptops every year and it is good to see where your particular model performs compared to others, especially if you could be getting a better deal elsewhere. Reading review after review may be considered a bit "over-the-top", but if you're spending the excess of £600, I would want to know as much as possible about a product before I purchase it.

I think Sony aren't too bad with their laptop pricing actually. There are certain models in their current range (and past ranges) that offer superior performance-price than other well-known manufacturers... Whatever you do though, do not buy from Sony Centre. Their customer service is shocking.

6 months is perhaps a bit too short (sorry if I mislead you! ) - its normally a year. The low-power i3 Ivy Bridge processors have yet to be released (late this year I think) so it is safe to say no new technology will be released within the next 10-12 months.

[DanielBeal]

Yeah, I'll need to keep an eye out for any reviews, from in a sense market experts, such as Which? Magazine, etc. I understand the point regrading reading too many reviews, haha. I think because I want the laptop to last for the three years and it's quite an important item which I'll be using on a day-to-day basis which has to be the right decision.

In regard to the Sony Centre, I intend to purchase using:

https://shop.sony.co.uk/shop/b2c/edu...shop=SST_GB_EN

As, I'll be getting upto 10% with NUS, whereas from a retailer I won't qualify for the discount. Which I feel would be quite a high saving.

Thanks again for the help/information

[jam12]

(Original post by DanielBeal)
In regard to the Sony Centre, I intend to purchase using:

https://shop.sony.co.uk/shop/b2c/edu...shop=SST_GB_EN

As, I'll be getting upto 10% with NUS, whereas from a retailer I won't qualify for the discount. Which I feel would be quite a high saving.

Ah I totally forgot about student discount (looking for a laptop myself! ). A quick google search and it seems that Dell and HP offer discount too.

Thanks!

[DanielBeal]

Ok, no worries I'll keep in mind Dell/HP.

[mistrymister]

I'm thinking of getting this laptop for September too.

Re: Reviews - It's a pretty new laptop, and only really came to the British market last week. It hasn't even hit the shelves of other shops / laptop suppliers.

I think it's pretty perfect for what I want it for. My course involves software which involves pretty intense computing power and a big screen. I'm going to opt for the 1080p version of it.

I mean I'm only getting it because I'm a bit of a premium seeker or whatever, and nothing frustrates me more than a bad computer. My advice to you is not to look at the reviews too much - Sony tend to do a good job on their machines - go to a sony centre and decide for yourself.

Alternatives could be the HP Envy 17? I really like the look of that one.

[DanielBeal]

Great.

Yeah, I'll be purchasing just before University and I think it'll be fit for purpose.

I've been quite keen with Sony, as I feel that it's quite a premium product, although doesn't charge prices such as Apple which are far too expensive for the specifications.

I'm still interested to hear opinions on any one who has had a Sony VAIO before/or their own views on how they think this model will perform. Thanks.

[Killjoy-]

I don't know if this has been said:

Note that Microsoft is offering an upgrade to Win 8 for an additional £15.
Some manufacturers have already put it up on their sites and no doubt Sony will do the same.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by DanielBeal)
Great.

Yeah, I'll be purchasing just before University and I think it'll be fit for purpose.

I've been quite keen with Sony, as I feel that it's quite a premium product, although doesn't charge prices such as Apple which are far too expensive for the specifications.

I'm still interested to hear opinions on any one who has had a Sony VAIO before/or their own views on how they think this model will perform. Thanks.

Just wait around though, until the new processors out and the new range is out

[DanielBeal]

(Original post by Killjoy-)
/

Thanks. I've just been on their site, and it appears that Sony are promoting the offer.

[jam12]

I just spoke to a sales representative about the new Vaio S13 (I'm interested in buying one) and he said they will be out in the next few weeks. I assume the new E series will be released around the same time too. The only "new" Vaio they have is the S15. That is also customizable with a 1080p screen and Blu-ray but is a LOT more expensive than the E series. The S series is Sony's "business" line and is built with premium materials, thinner and weighs less. But the E series is much better value for money if you're looking for a 15"+ screen imo.

[Killjoy-]

(Original post by jam12)
I just spoke to a sales representative about the new Vaio S13 (I'm interested in buying one) and he said they will be out in the next few weeks. I assume the new E series will be released around the same time too. The only "new" Vaio they have is the S15. That is also customizable with a 1080p screen and Blu-ray but is a LOT more expensive than the E series. The S series is Sony's "business" line and is built with premium materials, thinner and weighs less. But the E series is much better value for money if you're looking for a 15"+ screen imo.

From their website:

Spoiler:

Show

S15 - around £940
- 15.5" 1080p
- i5 3210M (Ivy bridge)
- 1 GB nVidia GT 640M
- 4GB 1333Mhz RAM
- 500GB 5400rpm hard disk drive
- Backlit keyboard
- DVD disc drive
- Imagination studio 2 free

E17 - about £640
- 17" 1080p
- i5 2450M (Sandy Bridge?)
- 1GB AMD 7650M
- 4GB 1333Mhz RAM
- 500GB 5400rpm hard disk drive
- Backlit keyboard
- DVD rewriter and blue ray reader
- Imagination studio 1 free

A £2-300 difference for the metal body, better graphics, better processor and new version of image studio.
But the E17 configuration includes a blue-ray reader.

Both offer an upgrade to a 4-core processor (for a price, of course).

[rgc610]

At the moment, on the E15 series they are offering a free upgrade to the 6GB Memory..
Do you think it is worth purchasing it now? Or shall I wait to September?

I know Windows 8 is due for release in October, but will the price of the E series decrease much over the space of 2-3 months?

[Killjoy-]

(Original post by rgc610)
At the moment, on the E15 series they are offering a free upgrade to the 6GB Memory..
Do you think it is worth purchasing it now? Or shall I wait to September?

I know Windows 8 is due for release in October, but will the price of the E series decrease much over the space of 2-3 months?

The following month Sony may offer a different upgrade, which may or may not be better.
By September the other manufacturers will probably release more laptops and Sony might release a few more too.

It's up to you - do you think you'll get a lot of use out of the laptop until September?