Sony VAIO VGN-SZ660N/C 13.3-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business) | List Price: $2,149.99
Discount Price: $1,699.99
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Brand: Sony
Binding: Personal Computers
Release Date: 2007-08-01
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Sleekly designed, lightweight notebook with 13.3-inch screen (with Webcam), 4-pound black carbon fiber case
- 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, ReadyDrive hybrid hard drive system (160 GB HDD with 256 MB flash RAM), 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive
- Connectivity: 2 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, multi-format memory card reader
- Hybrid Graphics System lets toggle between NVidia GeForce Go 8400M (up to 831 MB shared) and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (358 MB shared)
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Business; ready for Sprint Broadband WWAN service (subscription required)
Small in form, big in function! [Posted on 2008-05-08]
The computer represents a radical change for me, coming from an Inspiron E1705. I purchased the computer without seeing one in person, so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived and I saw first-hand how small and light it really was. I had reservations about going from Windows XP to Vista, but the transition has been pretty easy. I was also concerned about the size of the palm rests on the Vaio compared to the Inspiron, but there's ample room. The pitch of the keys is slightly different, and the noise from typing on them is a bit louder, but the feeling is secure.
Not knowing too much about Vista I did read that it functions better with "at least" 2GB of RAM. This particular Vaio comes with 2GB but can accommodate 4GB, so I performed the upgrade. Checking the computer's stats and contacting Vaio technical support confirmed only 3GB is available with 1GB reserved for other computer functions. There may be a way to change this, but I'm not sure how.
The difference between the Vaio's LED backlit screen and the Inspiron's CFL is phenomenal. The Vaio's screen is bright and clear, which I really didn't notice was missing from the Inspiron.
I didn't anticipate wanting or needing to use the various power conservation modes, but they're accessed so easily that I do find myself using various modes to prolong battery life. There are a couple of defaults, but there's also the option to create new conservation profiles.
I'm not a gamer so I can't comment on the graphics chip, but from what I've read it's supposed to be perform pretty well.
If someone's already read the specs and is looking for anything they need to be aware of that might not be mentioned, I can only think of a couple. The default layout of the desktop includes a task bar for ease of access to various Sony/Vaio entertainment/website features. It was actually more than a task bar, as if memory serves me correctly it was about 0.5" text that ran across the lower portion (not the very bottom) of the screen. I contacted Vaio support who said there was no way to remove it, but I did end up finding a way.
The computer runs hotter than my Inspiron, but not to the point where the internal fan comes on. It was just notably warmer, but a cooling pad will certainly take care of that.
This particular model has the external antenna, I believe to access the Sprint network. As I use the AT&T network through an Express Card, the antenna is not functional and now is more of an annoyance as it's plastic and is the only protruding part on the side of the computer. It might eventually break off which would solve the issue, or I might find a way of removing it myself.
If you've taken the time to read this review you'll probably notice my criticism of this computer is limited to just a few, really inconsequential items. If I were to summarize the computer in just a few words, I would say it's absolutely fantastic. I can't imagine anybody being disppointed with the computer after reading the specs and using it first-hand.
not the best laptop [Posted on 2008-05-16]
I love the computer for its weight (or lack there of) but I have had more problems with this laptop than any of my previous computers. It freezes often, the mouse sometimes goes on the fritz (operates in reverse, won't let me click, does this random skipping around the screen thing), and it often will have problems updating (BTW-updating and tech support have yet to make these problems go away). It may be because I use this laptop everyday for at least 16 hours, but still, this laptop had problems within the first month.
Sony should do better than this for money - poor value [Posted on 2008-08-29]
I had this notebook for about 8 months - all of the problems with bloated software described by other reviewers hold true - but I can deal with that hassle.
I have a hardware failure that involves the hinge on the notebooks screen this failure is related to poor workmanship - ie: cheap flimsy screen and hinge. The hinge is loose and will eventually fail - this problem is well described by others on the web. I sent it in for warrenty work and Sony wants close to $700.00 to replace it - looking at what others have posted on the web this seems typical of their level of support.
I am sorry I spent the money on what was billed as a break through product that really is just a product that breaks. If you are hoping for a level of support that justifies the premium price you will be disappointed in my opinion.
Comments from a three year SZ user [Posted on 2008-09-06]
I have been a vaio sz user for more than three years (~3.5), have bought one for my wife and brother as well. I have used different versions, 160, 330 and 650 last. It is surprising to see so many negative feedback as I did not experience anything that bad past three years with so many different computers.
I mainly use the computer for research and simulations. As regards to performance, it is fast indeed. Even if you are running many programs together including matlab, mathematica, photoshop, office programs etc. high speed mode can handle them pretty easily. I don't see the reason why people are getting troubles with speed.
Yes it is coming with lots of software junk however I don't understand what those people uninstalling for three days. Come on, if you are a little patient you can get rid of them in an hour after you first turn on the computer. It might be handy to have some these software too though if you don't have your office or adobe cds ready, you can use the trial versions in the meantime for a while...
The overall design is really sleek, and keyboard really feels soft and nice, your fingers are sliding on the keys. The downside is after a year of frequent use there is a slight wear that you can guess from the outer look which keys are used most frequently (may be this is a problem in all computers out there). It is still fully functional however a better material should be used.
Some people say it doesn't come with a restore cd, well it has a very nice restore program, you can just say go and it restores the computer to after factory state, and if you like you can burn your own DVD's too. It would good to have an xp downgrade cd though for those who want to use xp.
As it comes to the service I don't have experience with other brands to make a comparison however I can comment on my personal experience. In the past I have sent my previous computer for the fan had started making too much noise. The next day I called sony service, a prepaid overnight ups box arrived to send the computer to them and the computer came back within a week with the fans cleaned up and problems fixed.
As to compare between different models although initial models had some problems, it is improving in time, going quieter and faster.
The only problem I have is that I have to pay attention extra care to protect the lcd as the casing is pretty thin and doesn't feel strong enough. I wish they made it a little more sturdy.
In the overall it is definitely a fast, sleek and very portable computer. I would definitely recommend this computer if you want a portable one yet you do not want to sacrifice performance.
Service is a disaster--I will never buy Sony again [Posted on 2008-11-03]
You should be able to find good reviews of the computer elsewhere, so I won't go into that.
But I will share with you my nightmarish experience with their service.
About 6 months after buying it, I dropped the computer from a low height. Totally my fault, though because it's a delicate machine it was damaged. I've dropped Dells and Acers in my life and not had problems.
So I paid $800 to have them fix it at their repair center. They did fix it, but they sent it back to me with a host of new problems. The battery didn't work, the screen would flash unpredictably, etc. It was unusable.
I called their support line (and suffered through the typical long wait) and they told me to send it back to their repair center. I protested--I just did that, and I had to wait a week for it to come back, and when they did send it back it was broken. Why would I do that? But they told me I had no choice. So I send it back. They wouldn't charge me for it.
Guess what? When they sent it back to me it was still broken! I called them back to report the issue. They want me to send it back to their support center. Why, so I can wait a week to have them send it back to me broken again?
Every time I deal with their support people it takes 30 minutes and is very painful.
I will never buy Sony again.
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