 |  Sony VAIO VGN-FW373J/B 16.4-Inch Laptop -... |
List Price: $1,329.99
 | Windows Vista Home ground Premium (SP1, 64-bit)2.4 GHz Intel Pit 2 Duo P8600 Dual-Core Processor...Walk-on-wide 16.4-inch screen, ATI Mobility Radeon HD... |
| Sony VAIO VGN-FW373J/H 16.4-Inch Laptop... |
List Price: $1,329.99
| Quad-fad Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth (with stereo...Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, ExpressCard/34...Lightweight multimedia powerhouse in titanium gray... |
List Price:
$1,329.99
|
Product Details
- Windows Vista Home ground Premium (SP1, 64-bit)
- 2.4 GHz Intel Pit 2 Duo P8600 Dual-Core Processor (with Centrino 2 technology)
- Walk-on-wide 16.4-inch screen, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics (2280 MB thorough)
|
Product Description
Customer Reviews
Doubtful build and a questionable warranty!!
Whilst wonderful, the materials used in the construction of this machine are questionable. Within mere months of ownership you will note that the wrist pad, which consumes a chiefly surface area of the machine, will scratch and scuff away leaving coal-black plastic underneath. The reason being is that the outer skin comprises of VERY for twopence plastic and NOT magnesium, carbon fibre, steel or any other rhetoric quoted by Sony. The protection will also probably fail (check Google).
To top this off ALL Sony Vaio F and FW series machines fool around a limited 1 year warranty. Limited meaning that if you buy a machine in the USA, THE Agreement WILL BE INVALID OUTSIDE OF THE USA.
WARNING: Do not buy this machine if you require a durable laptop (i.e. one that will last longer than 36months)
Omen: Do not buy this machine if you are a traveller as it will not be repaired when it fails.
WARNING: Do not buy this machine if you are a non-US householder as it will not be repaired when it fails.
If you require the above, purchase a HP as these machines enjoy a worldwide undertaking.
2010-03-10
(UK/US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
Yen I'd spent twice the money on the Macbook Pro
I bought this because of the blu-ray instrumentalist, and because of the fairly advanced video card (I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop a lot) 8 months ago. Within 3 weeks, the blu-ray gambler had stopped working due to a software "AACS key" issue. It took Sony over 4 months to stock up updated software on their support site.
Running Vista, this motor car is slower than a 3-year-old Pentium 5 notebook I'd replaced.
I upgraded to Vista to explicate the speed problem, and that works for me as an OS. It took only 2-1/2 months for Sony to culmination compatible softward for the blu-ray player. However, Sony has failed to issue Windows 7-in agreement drivers for many of the components--e.g., the video card, which means that you don't get hi-def out of the blu-ray player, and that you get the "titillating screen of death" crash fairly often. (Windows 7 reports the disaster as being due to the video driver.)
Sony Support is awful. I have tried to do one last re-install of Windows 7 to see if I could pass all the outstanding issues with the computer, and their servers have been down or impaired for days, making it unthinkable to download drivers from their sites. Chat with tech support on any of these issues has proven impractical.
My sister had a Sony laptop for years and never had any problem with it. I've had nothing but problems with this one and regret the position. Caveat emptor.
2010-01-03
(Pullman, WA United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
Worth for Casual Users, bad for Technical Users
I won't replica specifications - they're all listed and as advertised and as others have reviewed.
On the plus side:
* Good specifications and gratifyingly design for the price. Effectively a Mac package for a lower price.
* Windows 7 (beta) installed and ran well - without even having to reload all the peculiar Sony drivers.
* The keyboard has a good feel and is suitable for fast, thrifty, comfortable typing.
* Has firewire. Yes, this is in the specs, but while most laptops used to have this, they don't all nowadays.
and this came in serviceable when downloading some video from a Sony DV camcorder.
On the negative side:
* While the P8600 cpu has VT / hardware virtualization Sony has non-functioning it - astonishing as it sounds.
VT isn't needed for consumer use, but it is needed for certain detailed uses (such as the improved virtual machine software use or the special XP technique emulation available in Windows 7)
It seems to be the case that Sony did that in order to secure a downgrade price for the hardware. You canNOT re-enable it by BIOS. I've found a site that claims to have a stock / firmware workaround - but i haven't tested it yet.
* You canNOT use both the HDMI and VGA outputs at the same circumstance. I chose the Sony in the hope that I could attach two external monitors (while disabling the on-colander monitor - I've never seen on-board + two externals) My previous Acer could do this hang feat which is great when using the laptop in desktop mode. Like the Acer, this Sony has ATI video and AMI BIOS. and the ATI Radeon is undoubtedly capable of two externals. Again Sony seems to have disabled this (or not gone to the trouble of wiring it justly) I first realized this when I saw (in person) that the VGA and HDMI ports are so close
that you can't fit both simultaneously. I routine-sawed the VGA connector so they would both fit, but the BIOS still doesn't allow it.
* There are just 3 USB ports (I knew this when I bought it, but it is still irritating) and they inadequately positioned. All three are
together towards the front right and they're too close (Some combinations of USB connectors will not fit side by side) . Two on either side is a reduced these days.
* No E-SATA ( yes that's listed, but also still irritating)
* The memory stick reader does not up my camera's XD memory cards (no problem with SD and the others listed)
* I sometimes use the on-board keyboard even though I cement an external one, but the computer does not maintain a separate num-lock state for each. The perceptible is always on numlock so whenever i press U,I,O, etc on the on-board they come out as numbers. Actually, most laptops do this, but i did have a one before which kept them classify.
There's plenty of room on the laptop for Sony to have added a numeric keypad (even while leaving the well spaced mere keyboard) but they chose not to.
* Despite the specifications, it's no screamer nor major enhancement over my previous Core duo T2500 from several years ago. Though I suppose it's the same as any currently, similarly spec'ed contrivance and there's probably not many dramatically faster laptops available at this time.
While they change fine 'consumer' user laptops, as a technical user I would try to keep off a Sony in the future and would look harder at the Acer and ASUS line-ups.
2009-10-05
(Los Angeles) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3
Remarkable laptop!! I always buy Sony.
I am very ecstatic with my new Sony Vaio (VGN-FW373J/H). The only problem I have been having is some companies haven't bothered to update their drivers. Epson is one case. I have a scanner that works perfectly with Windpws XP, but now I can't use it on the my new laptop because they haven't made a new driver for Vista 64bit. Feeble Epson! Very lame! This is not a Microsoft or Sony problem so I am not blaming them in any way. But, I just wanted to neaten up people aware that some companies aren't updating their drivers which means you will have to buy new mat when you switch to Vista.
2009-06-13
(Lockport, IL 60441) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Our other Vaio, and no turning back!
Vaio has on light years from our first, purchased in 2000. It lasted almost 9 years with very few problems along the way but for ever had insufficient memory for our current needs. This VGN-FW373J is beautifully designed, solidly, light, and includes many user friendly keyboard features. We have been open-mouthed watching movie DVD's (high definition, making our flat qualify TV less appealing since we can't take that to bed) and streaming other online programs. We give it a top rating and will buy another soon.
2009-06-12
(Charleston, SC USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
List Price:
$1,329.99
|
Product Details
- Quad-fad Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth (with stereo A2DP), Gigabit Ethernet, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics
- Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, ExpressCard/34 schedule, Memory Stick/SD card readers, HDMI A/V out, VGA monitor output
- Lightweight multimedia powerhouse in titanium gray with extra-wide 16.4-inch process, Dolby Sound Room audio, and HDMI output
|
Product Description
Customer Reviews
Problematical build and a questionable warranty!!
Whilst first-rate, the materials used in the construction of this machine are questionable. Within mere months of ownership you will note that the wrist pad, which consumes a staggering surface area of the machine, will scratch and scuff away leaving sulky plastic underneath. The reason being is that the outer skin comprises of VERY cheap pliant and NOT magnesium, carbon fibre, steel or any other rhetoric quoted by Sony. The strainer will also probably fail (check Google).
To top this off ALL Sony Vaio F and FW series machines implement a limited 1 year warranty. Limited meaning that if you buy a machine in the USA, THE Promise WILL BE INVALID OUTSIDE OF THE USA.
WARNING: Do not buy this machine if you require a durable laptop (i.e. one that will last longer than 36months)
Caution: Do not buy this machine if you are a traveller as it will not be repaired when it fails.
WARNING: Do not buy this machine if you are a non-US tenant as it will not be repaired when it fails.
If you require the above, purchase a HP as these machines enjoy a worldwide undertaking.
2010-03-10
(UK/US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
Choose I'd spent twice the money on the Macbook Pro
I bought this because of the blu-ray gambler, and because of the fairly advanced video card (I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop a lot) 8 months ago. Within 3 weeks, the blu-ray sportsman had stopped working due to a software "AACS key" issue. It took Sony over 4 months to plan for updated software on their support site.
Running Vista, this car is slower than a 3-year-old Pentium 5 notebook I'd replaced.
I upgraded to Vista to clear the speed problem, and that works for me as an OS. It took only 2-1/2 months for Sony to end compatible softward for the blu-ray player. However, Sony has failed to issue Windows 7-in agreement drivers for many of the components--e.g., the video card, which means that you don't get hi-def out of the blu-ray player, and that you get the "morose screen of death" crash fairly often. (Windows 7 reports the drive as being due to the video driver.)
Sony Support is awful. I have tried to do one last re-install of Windows 7 to see if I could determine all the outstanding issues with the computer, and their servers have been down or impaired for days, making it outrageous to download drivers from their sites. Chat with tech support on any of these issues has proven abortive.
My sister had a Sony laptop for years and never had any problem with it. I've had nothing but problems with this one and regret the acquire. Caveat emptor.
2010-01-03
(Pullman, WA United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
Sizeable for Casual Users, bad for Technical Users
I won't recite specifications - they're all listed and as advertised and as others have reviewed.
On the plus side:
* Good specifications and satisfyingly design for the price. Effectively a Mac package for a lower price.
* Windows 7 (beta) installed and ran well - without even having to reload all the unconventional Sony drivers.
* The keyboard has a good feel and is suitable for fast, unwasteful, comfortable typing.
* Has firewire. Yes, this is in the specs, but while most laptops used to have this, they don't all nowadays.
and this came in accessible when downloading some video from a Sony DV camcorder.
On the negative side:
* While the P8600 cpu has VT / hardware virtualization Sony has impaired it - astonishing as it sounds.
VT isn't needed for consumer use, but it is needed for certain technological uses (such as the improved virtual machine software use or the special XP rage emulation available in Windows 7)
It seems to be the case that Sony did that in order to secure a quieten price for the hardware. You canNOT re-enable it by BIOS. I've found a site that claims to have a Grub Street writer / firmware workaround - but i haven't tested it yet.
* You canNOT use both the HDMI and VGA outputs at the same just the same from time to time. I chose the Sony in the hope that I could attach two external monitors (while disabling the on-hide monitor - I've never seen on-board + two externals) My previous Acer could do this take care of the problem which is great when using the laptop in desktop mode. Like the Acer, this Sony has ATI video and AMI BIOS. and the ATI Radeon is unquestionably capable of two externals. Again Sony seems to have disabled this (or not gone to the trouble of wiring it technically) I first realized this when I saw (in person) that the VGA and HDMI ports are so close
that you can't fit both simultaneously. I hackney-sawed the VGA connector so they would both fit, but the BIOS still doesn't allow it.
* There are just 3 USB ports (I knew this when I bought it, but it is still irritating) and they improperly positioned. All three are
together towards the front right and they're too close (Some combinations of USB connectors will not fit side by side) . Two on either side is a reduced these days.
* No E-SATA ( yes that's listed, but also still irritating)
* The memory stick reader does not admit my camera's XD memory cards (no problem with SD and the others listed)
* I sometimes use the on-board keyboard even though I glue an external one, but the computer does not maintain a separate num-lock state for each. The superficial is always on numlock so whenever i press U,I,O, etc on the on-board they come out as numbers. Actually, most laptops do this, but i did have a one before which kept them distinct.
There's plenty of room on the laptop for Sony to have added a numeric keypad (even while leaving the well spaced sheer keyboard) but they chose not to.
* Despite the specifications, it's no screamer nor major recovery over my previous Core duo T2500 from several years ago. Though I suppose it's the same as any currently, similarly spec'ed automobile and there's probably not many dramatically faster laptops available at this time.
While they be conducive to fine 'consumer' user laptops, as a technical user I would try to escape a Sony in the future and would look harder at the Acer and ASUS line-ups.
2009-10-05
(Los Angeles) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3
Colossal laptop!! I always buy Sony.
I am very beneficial with my new Sony Vaio (VGN-FW373J/H). The only problem I have been having is some companies haven't bothered to update their drivers. Epson is one pattern. I have a scanner that works perfectly with Windpws XP, but now I can't use it on the my new laptop because they haven't made a new driver for Vista 64bit. Flimsy Epson! Very lame! This is not a Microsoft or Sony problem so I am not blaming them in any way. But, I just wanted to pushy people aware that some companies aren't updating their drivers which means you will have to buy new arms when you switch to Vista.
2009-06-13
(Lockport, IL 60441) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Our surrogate Vaio, and no turning back!
Vaio has go about a find light years from our first, purchased in 2000. It lasted almost 9 years with very few problems along the way but at long last had insufficient memory for our current needs. This VGN-FW373J is beautifully designed, loose, light, and includes many user friendly keyboard features. We have been open-mouthed watching movie DVD's (high definition, making our flat cover TV less appealing since we can't take that to bed) and streaming other online programs. We give it a top rating and will buy another soon.
2009-06-12
(Charleston, SC USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Sony VAIO VGN-FW373J/B 16.4-Inch Laptop For $1599.84 | BlognTech.Com
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Source: Sony VAIO VGN-FW373J/B 16.4-Inch Laptop For $1599.84 | BlognTech.Com