Notebook Reviews

The first one I bought was DOA. The replacement works fine except that the CD writer seems very picky. Note I have had no problems with DVD writing.
Pros The best screen I have ever seen until it gets dirty.
Huge hard drive.
Very fast.
Plays BF Vietnam better than my 2gh desktop.
Upgradeable to 2 Gig of memory if you can afford it.
If you want to do video editing on your laptop this one is
great.
Cons Very Heavy and requires a big bag.
Massive power supply needs a big bag.
4200 rpm Hard drive slows down an otherwise fast machine.
Odd design on lid leads to notebook opening in bag unless
well secured.
No PS2 ports.
Glossy screen is murder to clean.
Incredibly hot when running full bore. Will actually heat
up table top around it.
Sony's in general seem very well put together. I also own a PCG FX 190 and apart from Sony's famous lack of support for new operating systems, it is the only notebook I have owned for 3 years that did not require servicing. The top of the line Tosh Tecra and Dell latitude I owned failed in the first six months. It was really a shame that the first GRT360 was dead on arrival I wonder if this is a sign of the machine being made in China the other Sony I owned was made in the USA.

I have been a fan of the VAIO since Sony released the first 16.1" UXGA laptop. When Sony broke the 3.0 GHz barrier, I decided to upgrade my 1.6GHz GRX 500 to the new GRT series. I have been very happy with my purchase.

Like Sony's other consumer products, VAIO notebooks offer complete product refinement, with exceptional attention to detail and aesthetics that are superior to offerings from Dell, HP and Toshiba. Before purchasing my first Sony, I was an owner of a top-of-the line Dell Inspiron. An analogous comparison of the shell build quality between the two machines is the comparison of a 2004 Honda Accord and a 1990 Buick Regal. The fit and finish are vastly superior on the Sony. With the latest generation GRT 390, Sony raises the bar.

At first glance, it is appears that Sony invested a great deal into the design and manufacture of the enclosure, layout of buttons and jacks as well as the screen hinges and frames. It is much sturdier than the competition with a metallic lid paired with a metallized plastic main body enclosure. The interface, from the tactile response of the keys to the clarity of the screen is superior to products from other manufacturers. Yet, the user must experience this firsthand. While it is difficult to describe on paper, the difference becomes apparent when comparing them side-by-side in a retail store. Sony strives to create a refined package with close integration of the various hardware components. One good example is Sony's first-to-market use an integrated flash memory slot.

Unfortunately, my original VAIO GRX 500 did not hold up to the abuse of my brutal travel schedule. It had to be sent back to their sole North American repair facility in San Diego. The single-facility repair limitation is(was) the biggest problem with Sony. The GRX was not as sturdy as the GRT. The GRX500 was quite thin for its large footprint, which was made me concerned about flex and potential damage to the large screen. In the GRT, Sony has beefed up the enclosure, increasing the overall thickness by 3/8" and the weight by two pounds.

While the GRT has been fairly problem free, I had one minor, yet disturbing problem. The internal speakers started crackling for couple of weeks and then went completely dead. However, after some time, they began to work again with no difficulties. This surprised me, because such problems typically get worse.

As a true desktop replacement, it is a very fast machine. The combination of the 3.06 GHz processor and 1 GB Ram makes the GRT noticeably faster than its 1.6GHz/512 MB predecessor. My one complaint with the configuration is the lack of a 7200 RPM drive, which first came to market last year. I decided to purchase a 7200 RPM Hitachi Travelstar 7K60 and installed it before transferring my files. It was well worth the time and expense. However, it identified a major complaint I have with the GRT, which is a lack of system disks or even system restore disks. It took me about three hours to create the three DVD's (I can't imagine how long it would take to create the 20+ CD's). In my opinion, a premium laptop like this should come both with restore disks and operating systems disks. Sony claims that Microsoft restrictions are preventing the former.

My initial motivation for purchasing my first VAIO was the 16.1" UXGA screen, which was the best I have seen. It obviated the need for a separate monitor. The XBRITE technology employed in the GRT has improved the screen quality over the previous generation. By the time this model was available, other vendors were selling machines with 17" WXGA screens. The image quality is superior on GRT.

While I opted for a non-mobile processor, I have started to question my decision. It is nice that Sony offers this as an option, but the battery life is as little as 1:10:00 with WiFi enabled. In addition, the rather loud fans kick in when the processor is going full steam.

The one major concern for any user should be Sony's repair policies and capabilities. Standard repair, which was their only option until recently, can take up to ten (10) business days. Sony's sole repair facility is in San Diego. Recently, Sony added onsite service for an additional fee, but terms and conditions of what specifically can be repaired onsite are too vague for critical business use.

Pro's
Best Available Screen
Integrated WiFi
Excellent build quality
Best screen on the market

Con's
Poor battery life

Heavy
Poor repair/customer service
Lack of system disks
No 7200 RPM factory drive

After my desperate search for a Sony notebook with an Nvidia graphics chip I found the NVR23. Why am I so bent on finding an Nvidia notebook? Cause Nvidia is prolly the best performance video for linux today.

After whiping clean the installed OS, I found installation of my linux distro a snap and was up and running in no time. My only problem-the scroll on the jog wheel doesn't function properly in liunx. The notbook is a bit bulky, just under 9lbs and eats up most of the room inside an average notebook carrying case, but for the performance vs. price ratio, its quite a good deal.

I have had this notebok for over a month now and have been extremely impressed with it's power and speed. For the price it is by far one of the best deals on the market today. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with a DVD-RW drive, but everything else included.

I purchased this computer and instantly loved it. But there's one glitch -- the hard drive makes a loud clicking noise. I called Sony tech support to find out if I had a defective unit or not. They were extremely helpful, believed the unit was defective and suggested I return the item for a new one, which I did. But the replacement unit also makes the same clicking noise. Which means two things -- either the store received an entire batch of computers that are defective or this is simply the way this notebook operates. I'm returning it. I absolutely love everything about this computer but the click click click is very annoying. I work with computers in my job, and I've never heard a laptop make this noise before.

This is my second Sony Vaio laptop as the first was incredibly durable and is still going strong after unbelievable abuse. I have been using the VX89 for about 2 months now and I am very impressed. I use it exclusively in a number of wireless networks and its performance is very impressive. It is the best
wireless laptop I have ever used. I really like everything about it, especially its size/weight. My other Vaio is a 8.5lb luggable. The only thing I would wish for is a 1.2 or 1.5 cpu as the 900, slow by todays standards, performs very well across all MS office applications. The battery life is also very good....I can count on just over 3 hours on a full charge.

My friend recently purchased this item for Christmas, and i have been using it so much. I put all my mixed c.ds, and my loose ones. Its great to show off your music collection if it is small. Only holds 24 cds, so think about that before you buy it! Not really a toy.

This toy is SOOOOOOOOOO durable I take it wherever i go and can keep my CDs and CD player ALL safe. I would get it for anyone who LOVES Spongebob~!!!@

This bag is roomy enough to fit comfortably even my Dell Inspiron 8100 with 15.1" screen (the dimensions of my laptop are 13.03" wide, 10.8" deep, and 1.75" thick, which is apparently quite large in the laptop universe). However, it's obviously Targus's no-frills model.

It's quite slim, which can be good for short jaunts, but also comes with some disadvantages. Most obviously, the padding is skimpy. That applies not only to that around the main compartment but also to that covering the handle (made of really stiff fake leather) and the detachable shoulder strap. "Marginal" would be too generous a description; this case is definitely not made for long trips with heavy interiors, not unless you expect to be shifting the bag from shoulder to shoulder or hand to hand every few moments.

Also, there aren't many extra pockets. In fact, there's only one external pocket (the 13" x 9" x 2" one), which opens and closes only by Velcro, and has no sub-pockets. Yes, there are smaller subdivided pockets inside the main compartment where your computer will live, and this compartment nicely opens with dual sturdy zippers along three of four sides. But these smaller subdivided pockets face directly onto your precious laptop itself, without any padding other than the thin film of nylon that holds your extra goodies in place. Personally I would never use those pockets for anything firm and bumpy, even pens, for fear of cracking my laptop's case. That makes those pockets basically unusable unless for soft things like papers, which would fit better in the outer pocket anyway.

There's also a gimmicky removable divider in the main compartment just in case your notebook is so small that you can fit your AC adapter right beside it in the main compartment, in which case you can use the padded divider (detachable by Velcro, of course) to create separate living spaces for those two items. There's also a Velcro strap in the main compartment to restrain your laptop in its living space.

Basically, this case is adequate, for low expectations. But high expectations would include being comfortable carrying the case and bringing lots of additional items, for example if you want this to be your only carry-on piece of luggage. The only way you'd fit your hardback Harry Potter in this bag is if you left your computer at home.

This is the perfect case for the 3.5lb subnotebooks, it has an extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior that holds up to abrasion, unlike the faux leather/vinyl that readily tears, especially where the strap attaches and rubs against it. Where the vinyl case rapidly looks ragged and beaten up, this case still looks pristine and new.
The compartment is sized for the smaller notebooks, which is its intended purpose- it's not supposed to be an overnight bag; if that's what you need, a different model would be in order.

The velcro on the outer flap is a noisy on opening, but it does hold well-
It has a decent amount of compartments, with an outer flap to hold the accessories such as ac adapter, mouse etc.
Another compartment on the back is great for quick storage of papers and folders.
The hardware and carrying strap is very well made and will hold up to daily use with no problems.

Highly recommended for subnotebook users; very sharp looking case that affords good protection and durability.

This bag is roomy enough to fit comfortably even my Dell Inspiron 8100 with 15.1" screen (the dimensions of my laptop are 13.03" wide, 10.8" deep, and 1.75" thick, which is apparently quite large in the laptop universe). However, it's obviously Targus's no-frills model.

It's quite slim, which can be good for short jaunts, but also comes with some disadvantages. Most obviously, the padding is skimpy. That applies not only to that around the main compartment but also to that covering the handle (made of really stiff fake leather) and the detachable shoulder strap. "Marginal" would be too generous a description; this case is definitely not made for long trips with heavy interiors, not unless you expect to be shifting the bag from shoulder to shoulder or hand to hand every few moments.

Also, there aren't many extra pockets. In fact, there's only one external pocket (the 13" x 9" x 2" one), which opens and closes only by Velcro, and has no sub-pockets. Yes, there are smaller subdivided pockets inside the main compartment where your computer will live, and this compartment nicely opens with dual sturdy zippers along three of four sides. But these smaller subdivided pockets face directly onto your precious laptop itself, without any padding other than the thin film of nylon that holds your extra goodies in place. Personally I would never use those pockets for anything firm and bumpy, even pens, for fear of cracking my laptop's case. That makes those pockets basically unusable unless for soft things like papers, which would fit better in the outer pocket anyway.

There's also a gimmicky removable divider in the main compartment just in case your notebook is so small that you can fit your AC adapter right beside it in the main compartment, in which case you can use the padded divider (detachable by Velcro, of course) to create separate living spaces for those two items. There's also a Velcro strap in the main compartment to restrain your laptop in its living space.

Basically, this case is adequate, for low expectations. But high expectations would include being comfortable carrying the case and bringing lots of additional items, for example if you want this to be your only carry-on piece of luggage. The only way you'd fit your hardback Harry Potter in this bag is if you left your computer at home.

This is the perfect case for the 3.5lb subnotebooks, it has an extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior that holds up to abrasion, unlike the faux leather/vinyl that readily tears, especially where the strap attaches and rubs against it. Where the vinyl case rapidly looks ragged and beaten up, this case still looks pristine and new.
The compartment is sized for the smaller notebooks, which is its intended purpose- it's not supposed to be an overnight bag; if that's what you need, a different model would be in order.

The velcro on the outer flap is a noisy on opening, but it does hold well-
It has a decent amount of compartments, with an outer flap to hold the accessories such as ac adapter, mouse etc.
Another compartment on the back is great for quick storage of papers and folders.
The hardware and carrying strap is very well made and will hold up to daily use with no problems.

Highly recommended for subnotebook users; very sharp looking case that affords good protection and durability.

This bag is roomy enough to fit comfortably even my Dell Inspiron 8100 with 15.1" screen (the dimensions of my laptop are 13.03" wide, 10.8" deep, and 1.75" thick, which is apparently quite large in the laptop universe). However, it's obviously Targus's no-frills model.

It's quite slim, which can be good for short jaunts, but also comes with some disadvantages. Most obviously, the padding is skimpy. That applies not only to that around the main compartment but also to that covering the handle (made of really stiff fake leather) and the detachable shoulder strap. "Marginal" would be too generous a description; this case is definitely not made for long trips with heavy interiors, not unless you expect to be shifting the bag from shoulder to shoulder or hand to hand every few moments.

Also, there aren't many extra pockets. In fact, there's only one external pocket (the 13" x 9" x 2" one), which opens and closes only by Velcro, and has no sub-pockets. Yes, there are smaller subdivided pockets inside the main compartment where your computer will live, and this compartment nicely opens with dual sturdy zippers along three of four sides. But these smaller subdivided pockets face directly onto your precious laptop itself, without any padding other than the thin film of nylon that holds your extra goodies in place. Personally I would never use those pockets for anything firm and bumpy, even pens, for fear of cracking my laptop's case. That makes those pockets basically unusable unless for soft things like papers, which would fit better in the outer pocket anyway.

There's also a gimmicky removable divider in the main compartment just in case your notebook is so small that you can fit your AC adapter right beside it in the main compartment, in which case you can use the padded divider (detachable by Velcro, of course) to create separate living spaces for those two items. There's also a Velcro strap in the main compartment to restrain your laptop in its living space.

Basically, this case is adequate, for low expectations. But high expectations would include being comfortable carrying the case and bringing lots of additional items, for example if you want this to be your only carry-on piece of luggage. The only way you'd fit your hardback Harry Potter in this bag is if you left your computer at home.

This is the perfect case for the 3.5lb subnotebooks, it has an extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior that holds up to abrasion, unlike the faux leather/vinyl that readily tears, especially where the strap attaches and rubs against it. Where the vinyl case rapidly looks ragged and beaten up, this case still looks pristine and new.
The compartment is sized for the smaller notebooks, which is its intended purpose- it's not supposed to be an overnight bag; if that's what you need, a different model would be in order.

The velcro on the outer flap is a noisy on opening, but it does hold well-
It has a decent amount of compartments, with an outer flap to hold the accessories such as ac adapter, mouse etc.
Another compartment on the back is great for quick storage of papers and folders.
The hardware and carrying strap is very well made and will hold up to daily use with no problems.

Highly recommended for subnotebook users; very sharp looking case that affords good protection and durability.

This bag is roomy enough to fit comfortably even my Dell Inspiron 8100 with 15.1" screen (the dimensions of my laptop are 13.03" wide, 10.8" deep, and 1.75" thick, which is apparently quite large in the laptop universe). However, it's obviously Targus's no-frills model.

It's quite slim, which can be good for short jaunts, but also comes with some disadvantages. Most obviously, the padding is skimpy. That applies not only to that around the main compartment but also to that covering the handle (made of really stiff fake leather) and the detachable shoulder strap. "Marginal" would be too generous a description; this case is definitely not made for long trips with heavy interiors, not unless you expect to be shifting the bag from shoulder to shoulder or hand to hand every few moments.

Also, there aren't many extra pockets. In fact, there's only one external pocket (the 13" x 9" x 2" one), which opens and closes only by Velcro, and has no sub-pockets. Yes, there are smaller subdivided pockets inside the main compartment where your computer will live, and this compartment nicely opens with dual sturdy zippers along three of four sides. But these smaller subdivided pockets face directly onto your precious laptop itself, without any padding other than the thin film of nylon that holds your extra goodies in place. Personally I would never use those pockets for anything firm and bumpy, even pens, for fear of cracking my laptop's case. That makes those pockets basically unusable unless for soft things like papers, which would fit better in the outer pocket anyway.

There's also a gimmicky removable divider in the main compartment just in case your notebook is so small that you can fit your AC adapter right beside it in the main compartment, in which case you can use the padded divider (detachable by Velcro, of course) to create separate living spaces for those two items. There's also a Velcro strap in the main compartment to restrain your laptop in its living space.

Basically, this case is adequate, for low expectations. But high expectations would include being comfortable carrying the case and bringing lots of additional items, for example if you want this to be your only carry-on piece of luggage. The only way you'd fit your hardback Harry Potter in this bag is if you left your computer at home.

This is the perfect case for the 3.5lb subnotebooks, it has an extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior that holds up to abrasion, unlike the faux leather/vinyl that readily tears, especially where the strap attaches and rubs against it. Where the vinyl case rapidly looks ragged and beaten up, this case still looks pristine and new.
The compartment is sized for the smaller notebooks, which is its intended purpose- it's not supposed to be an overnight bag; if that's what you need, a different model would be in order.

The velcro on the outer flap is a noisy on opening, but it does hold well-
It has a decent amount of compartments, with an outer flap to hold the accessories such as ac adapter, mouse etc.
Another compartment on the back is great for quick storage of papers and folders.
The hardware and carrying strap is very well made and will hold up to daily use with no problems.

Highly recommended for subnotebook users; very sharp looking case that affords good protection and durability.

This bag is roomy enough to fit comfortably even my Dell Inspiron 8100 with 15.1" screen (the dimensions of my laptop are 13.03" wide, 10.8" deep, and 1.75" thick, which is apparently quite large in the laptop universe). However, it's obviously Targus's no-frills model.

It's quite slim, which can be good for short jaunts, but also comes with some disadvantages. Most obviously, the padding is skimpy. That applies not only to that around the main compartment but also to that covering the handle (made of really stiff fake leather) and the detachable shoulder strap. "Marginal" would be too generous a description; this case is definitely not made for long trips with heavy interiors, not unless you expect to be shifting the bag from shoulder to shoulder or hand to hand every few moments.

Also, there aren't many extra pockets. In fact, there's only one external pocket (the 13" x 9" x 2" one), which opens and closes only by Velcro, and has no sub-pockets. Yes, there are smaller subdivided pockets inside the main compartment where your computer will live, and this compartment nicely opens with dual sturdy zippers along three of four sides. But these smaller subdivided pockets face directly onto your precious laptop itself, without any padding other than the thin film of nylon that holds your extra goodies in place. Personally I would never use those pockets for anything firm and bumpy, even pens, for fear of cracking my laptop's case. That makes those pockets basically unusable unless for soft things like papers, which would fit better in the outer pocket anyway.

There's also a gimmicky removable divider in the main compartment just in case your notebook is so small that you can fit your AC adapter right beside it in the main compartment, in which case you can use the padded divider (detachable by Velcro, of course) to create separate living spaces for those two items. There's also a Velcro strap in the main compartment to restrain your laptop in its living space.

Basically, this case is adequate, for low expectations. But high expectations would include being comfortable carrying the case and bringing lots of additional items, for example if you want this to be your only carry-on piece of luggage. The only way you'd fit your hardback Harry Potter in this bag is if you left your computer at home.

This is the perfect case for the 3.5lb subnotebooks, it has an extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior that holds up to abrasion, unlike the faux leather/vinyl that readily tears, especially where the strap attaches and rubs against it. Where the vinyl case rapidly looks ragged and beaten up, this case still looks pristine and new.
The compartment is sized for the smaller notebooks, which is its intended purpose- it's not supposed to be an overnight bag; if that's what you need, a different model would be in order.

The velcro on the outer flap is a noisy on opening, but it does hold well-
It has a decent amount of compartments, with an outer flap to hold the accessories such as ac adapter, mouse etc.
Another compartment on the back is great for quick storage of papers and folders.
The hardware and carrying strap is very well made and will hold up to daily use with no problems.

Highly recommended for subnotebook users; very sharp looking case that affords good protection and durability.

The PDA case is too large for the small and slim PDA.
Because Targa wants to target to all the PDAs in the market, so the case is a little bit large.

Moreover, the stickers (there are two stickers) are too large too. Everytime when I want to take my PDA(Toshiba e755) off and put on the cradle, I need to use a lot of energy as it sticks too tight.

I've killed two Palm devices in the past by shattering their screens. Thankfully, both were hand-me-downs, but I was determined when I got my m125 to avoid that fate. Belt pouches were unbalanced and overly geeky, hardcases were too expensive, and there was no way that I would believe that a slim leather case would work.

In desperation, I picked up one of these cases and another for my fiancee. In the year that I have owned this device, I have dropped it probably at least twice a month and often from four or five feet onto tile or hardwood floors. Any of these falls would have killed an unprotected Palm, but mine still runs as good as the day I got it. These falls have mostly resulted in the case landing on a corner or edge, which works to your advantage since these areas are guarded with neoprene. I'd be much more worried about a fall onto face or back, but these are fairly rare.

I can fit a checkbook, a pen, a few business cards, stamps, my stylus, and even a few paperclips into this little package, along with the Palm itself. The case fits perfectly in my hand and it's never far from me. The only thing even approaching a complaint I have with it is that the velcro tabs hold the Palm in so solidly that it's almost annoying to get it out for hotsyncing.

If you plan on never dropping your PDA, then this isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you like to be prepared for life's expensive little surprises, then consider picking this up. It's not cute, it's not made with fine-grain leather, and it's certainly not going to fit into a normal pocket, but it's the best insurance you can buy for your palmtop.