16 replies to this topic

[::WebCreate::]

So i'm thinking about getting myself a Sony Vaio CR (in white )

Basically the specs are as follows:
Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo - 2.0GHz
2GB RAM
200GB HDD
Windows Vista
14.1" screen.

It's all gonna cost $1400 including a really cool carry case and USB mouse (both in white too)

So do you think this is a good buy, and a good lappie for Design?

[Archangel]

Don't do it!

Na, I've actually never used a Vaio so I have no idea how they perform.

I priced something out at Dell quick and their XPS laptop would cost you just as much for roughly the same thing. The one thing I see you don't have listed which could make a big deal is the video card...what's that?

Also, 2GB is really the bare minimum for Windows Vista. I have 2GB on my desktop and it runs fairly well (actually runs pretty good once I allocated an extra 3.5GB of HD for memory) but if you REALLY want a beefy machine that can handle Vista I would recommend getting 3 - 4GB ram

[::WebCreate::]

Oh ok...thanks...didn't know Vista required so much RAM. I thought 2GB was great...what is this world coming to? haha

[EAXT]

FYI: I run Vista Ultimate on 1GB of RAM an never had a problem... but for laptops you might want to see what Toshiba has to offer.

[::WebCreate::]

The Toshiba P200 looked OK, but I read at notebookreview.com that they aren't that great.
I'm a big Sony fan, and I love the look of the new CR.
I do know that the graphics card installed isnt exceptional, but its ok.
How difficult is it to change the graphics card in a laptop?

[EAXT]

if it's PCI-e, not hard at all... if you know how to do it. Bu if you get a company to change it for you.. it costs alot!

[::WebCreate::]

I have no idea where to look if it's PCI-e...could someone please check for me
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores...552921665239957

I am worried that I won't be able to change it at a later stage, because I can't afford it right now.
I would like to upgrade the graphics card at a later stage.

[Archangel]

How much ram you need really depends on what you're doing. When I ran 2GB with no allocated HD for memory I would get a message saying the system has run out of memory many times a week, but as I said...once I allocated HD for memory I haven't had any problems since.

I'm looking at my computer here at work right now and with absolutely no programs running (aside from my Antivirus and Windows Defender) my Physical Memory is running at 33%. I open up one program, Outlook and it jumps to over 40% being used (with 2GB Ram installed).

Hmm...they don't even have it listed what the video card is. When you click on the 11 it says "Total Available Graphics Memory refers to the new Windows Vista® classification of graphics memory, which is the total of Dedicated Video Memory, System Video Memory and Shared System Memory. Shared System Memory varies depending on the operating condition and system memory size."

I wonder if it even has a video card since it doesn't list a certain model or if it's just sharing RAM for the video memory.l

Edited by Archangel, 13 November 2007 - 09:58 AM.

[::WebCreate::]

Is that bad?

[Archangel]

Well...what it means if you have "shared video memory" is if you have 2GB of ram and 356mb is shared for video then 356mb of that 2GB is allocated only for video (yeah, that's a confusing sentance). In other words, your 2GB ram actually performs at about 1.6 GB ram.

I'm not trying to scare you though! It really does just depend on how heavy you'll be pushing the machine. I never buy anything that doesn't have a dedicated video card, but then...I use all my computers for gaming as well, which makes a big difference.

[l3lueMage]

I use toshiba laptop and I love it I have 2GB of ram with vista no problem.

Reason Viao needs stuff is they add lots of junk, like my moms laptop if she leaves the laptop at teh login screen it starts playing this really annoying music XD

[CrazedLlama]

You have a Chipset as Graphix.
I suggest a Dell or a Acer.
Remeber to go for a PCI-E slot.

Chipset
Intel® GM965 Express Chipset

[adamD]

I use Dell machines at work, and they are dependable, but personally I use only Sony and find they are very good machines.

[::WebCreate::]

Wow...thank you all for your comments

[PSgirl]

l3lueMage, on Nov 14 2007, 06:15 PM, said:

I use toshiba laptop and I love it I have 2GB of ram with vista no problem.

Same here

[vvtopkar]

wow, to tell you the truth, that is a ROKIN deal on a VAIO (did i spell that right?) my dad's been using a VAIO for like the last 6 years, all hes done is upgrade the RAM to a gig from like 512 MB and hes been cruzin along for a while. It's probably the most stable computer i've ever used (yes even more stable than a mac) and the most reliable at that!
I'd say go for it!
Have fun!

Edited by vvtopkar, 22 November 2007 - 02:25 PM.