Laptop Choice: Sony Vaio or Macbook Pro?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Maryland - College Park
1

<p>I am in the process of getting a new laptop for college and wanted some input on what I should pick up. Cost isn't an issue and I have been a PC user my entire life. The switch may be difficult but I am open to learning Mac OS X if it's the best bet. Either way I' end up getting either Windows 7 or Snow Leopard when they come out so any thoughts on those would be helpful as well. </p>

<p>As a college student the computer will mainly be used for web browsing, word documents, presentations, and spreadsheets and anything else a college student may need. The possibility of gaming is nice but I hardly play games (let alone on the PC) as is so that's not a main point. I am a Chinese major at the moment if that helps.</p>

<p>Here's what I'm considering:</p>

<p>MacBook Pro:</p>

<p>Screen Size: 13.3''
Height: 0.95 inch
Width: 12.78 inches
Depth: 8.94 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Processor: 2.26 or 2.53 GHz Intel Core Duo
3 MB L2 Cache
1066Mhz frontside bus
2 or 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory. Supports up to 8GB.
Storage: 160 GB or 250GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive: optional 320 or 500 GB hard drive.
8x slot loading SuperDrive (DVD and CD RW)
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Connections: SD Slot
2 USB Ports
Audio in/out
Mini Display Port
1 FireWire 800 Port
Gigabit Ethernet Port
MagSafe Power port
Kensington lock slot
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM
Wireless: AirPort Extreme wireless networking 802.11 n (Compatible with 802.11a/b/g)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Built in Ethernet Connector
DVI and VGA outputs
Others: 79 full size backlit keyboard
Multi touch trackpad
Built in stereo speakers, omnidirectional microphone, and webcam</p>

<p>Sony Vaio: VGN-Z720D/B:</p>

<p>Weight: 3.30 lbs
Width:12.4"
Height: 1.0-1.3"
Depth: 8.3"
Hardware: Keyboard QWERTY, 82 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm
pitch
QWERTY, 82 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm
pitch
Camera Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8800
Speed: 2.53 GHz
Front Side Bus Speed 1066MHz
L2 Cache 3MB
Technology Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology
MEMORY
Type DDR3 SDRAM
Installed 4GB PC3-8500 (2GBx2)
Maximum 8GB
Speed 1066MHz
HARD DRIVE
Capacity: 320GB
Speed: 7200rpm
Interface: Serial ATA
DISPLAY
Screen Size 13.1"
Resolution 1600 x 900
XBRITE-DuraView™
Technology Yes
Back Light Technology LED
EXPANSION SLOTS
Multimedia Card Reader One Memory Stick PRO™ (STD / Duo) media slot with
MagicGate® functionality
One ExpressCard® /34 media slot
One Secure Digital (SD memory card) media slot
VAIO® Comparison
AUDIO
Sound System Intel® High Definition Audio
GRAPHICS
Processor NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS GPU with Total Available
Graphics Memory of 2010MB (max.) and Mobile Intel®
Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with Intel®
Clear Video Technology with Total Available Graphics
Memory: 1750MB (max.)
Video RAM 256MB of dedicated video RAM
Chipset Mobile Intel® GM45 Express
Max. External Resolution via
VGA
2048x1536
Max. External Resolution via
DVI
1920x1200
Max. External Display
Resolution via HDMI™
ouput/cable
1920x1080
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
USB Port(s) 2 (2.0 compliant)
i.LINK® Connection 1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)
Headphone Output(s) 1
Ethernet Connection (s) 1
HDMI™ Output 1
NETWORKING/MODEM
Wireless LAN Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth® Technology Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth® Technology (2.1 +
EDR)
Mobile Broadband Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in
POWER
Up to 6.0 hours Standard Capacity Battery based on
MobileMark Method
Up to 9.0 hours Large Capacity Battery based on
MobileMark Method
SOFTWARE
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business 64-bit / XP PRO downgrade
VAIO® Multimedia Suite VAIO® Startup Assistant
Click to Disc Editor - Import, Edit, Burn
VAIO® Movie Story - Simple Movie Creation
VAIO® MusicBox - Music by Mood
VAIO® Media plus - Multimedia Streaming Software
*Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your
PC for a complete list of software applications and
trials.
VAIO® Comparison
Anti-Virus & Recovery
Software
Norton Internet Security™ 2009 30-Day Trial Offer
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty Term 1 year limited warranty. See actual warranty for
details.
International Service 1 year international service plan available. Registration
required. See <a href="http://www.sony.com/IRSP%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.sony.com/IRSP&lt;/a> for details.</p>

<p>ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
RoHS® Compliant
OPTICAL DRIVE
CD Support: Read / Write (CD/-R/-RW)
DVD Support: Read / Write (DVD±R/±RW/±R DL/-/-RAM)</p>

<p>Sony Vaio VGN-Z790DKX:</p>

<p>Weight: 3.30 lbs
Width:12.4"
Height: 1.0-1.3"
Depth: 8.3"
Hardware: Keyboard QWERTY, 82 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm
pitch
QWERTY, 82 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm
pitch
Camera Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8800
Speed: 2.66 GHz
Front Side Bus Speed 1066MHz
L2 Cache 3MB
Technology Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology
MEMORY
Type DDR3 SDRAM
Installed 6GB PC3-8500 (4GBx1) + (2GBx1)
Maximum 8GB
Speed 1066MHz
DISPLAY
Screen Size 13.1"
Resolution 1600 x 900
XBRITE-DuraView™
Technology Yes
Back Light Technology LED
EXPANSION SLOTS
Multimedia Card Reader One Memory Stick PRO™ (STD / Duo) media slot with
MagicGate® functionality
One ExpressCard® /34 media slot
One Secure Digital (SD memory card) media slot
VAIO® Comparison
SOLID STATE DRIVE
Capacity 128GB
Interface Serial ATA
AUDIO
Sound System Intel® High Definition Audio
GRAPHICS
Processor NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS GPU with Total Available
Graphics Memory of 2010MB (max.) and Mobile Intel®
Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with Intel®
Clear Video Technology with Total Available Graphics
Memory: 1750MB (max.)
Video RAM 256MB of dedicated video RAM
Chipset Mobile Intel® GM45 Express
Max. External Resolution via
VGA
2048x1536
Max. External Resolution via
DVI
1920x1200
Max. External Display
Resolution via HDMI™
ouput/cable
1920x1080
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
USB Port(s) 2 (2.0 compliant)
i.LINK® Connection 1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)
Headphone Output(s) 1
Ethernet Connection (s) 1
HDMI™ Output 1
NETWORKING/MODEM
Wireless LAN Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth® Technology Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth® Technology (2.1 +
EDR)
Mobile Broadband Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in
POWER
Up to 6.0 hours Standard Capacity Battery based on
MobileMark Method
Up to 9.0 hours Large Capacity Battery based on
MobileMark Method
SOFTWARE
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business 64-bit
VAIO® Multimedia Suite VAIO® Startup Assistant
Click to Disc Editor - Import, Edit, Burn
VAIO® Movie Story - Simple Movie Creation
VAIO® MusicBox - Music by Mood
VAIO® Media plus - Multimedia Streaming Software
*Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your
PC for a complete list of software applications and
trials.
VAIO® Comparison
Anti-Virus & Recovery
Software
Norton Internet Security™ 2009 30-Day Trial Offer
SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty Term 1 year limited warranty. See actual warranty for
details.
International Service 1 year international service plan available. Registration
required. See <a href="http://www.sony.com/IRSP%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.sony.com/IRSP&lt;/a> for details.</p>

<p>ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
RoHS® Compliant
OPTICAL DRIVE
CD Support: Read / Write (CD/-R/-RW)
DVD Support: Read / Write (DVD±R/±RW/±R DL/-/-RAM)</p>

2

<p>Did UMD change this yr to Vaio? Ly it was Mac and Dell. DS has the mac and likes it.</p>

3

<p>I have a Mac and I really really prefer it. Unless you’re planning on taking a TON of engineering, I’d get the Mac. There are very good language programs (like word for French, or Chinese for you) and they’re cheap.</p>

4

<p>S’s student guide in Architecture recommended getting a basic laptop to start with and saving money to upgrade when students get to junior year and are more settled in what major/classes they have/want. I think that’s a pretty good suggestion, since lots of ppl change majors. Not really on topic, but a valuable insight anyway.</p>

5

<p>I just went on the web site, so I guess you are opting not to get a Dell because they still only have either Dell or Mac. Also if you don’t know about it you can get great deals with the testudo tech store. It was several hundred dollars cheaper through UMD, plus we got a free ipod with the purchase.</p>

6

<p>My son is a computer science major, and went Mac. I do all the computer-related stuff in the house and have vowed never to buy another PC. We now have 3 MacBooks, and when my husband’s PC dies it will be replaced by another Mac. We have never had a single problem with the Macs and nothing but headaches with PCs. Plus Mac tech support is as close as the nearest Apple store.</p>

7

<p>With the specs given, I’d go with the Viao. It seems like a really good laptop and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Viao laptops. My friend has one and he loves it. And with all those people that talk about all the problems that PC’s have, you only get those if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, how much do you use your computer? Do you just run programs or actually modify things in it and get more technical with it because then I’d get the Sony. There’s nothing wrong with Macs, but there’s just too many proprietary software and hardware that comes along with it and I’ve yet to meet someone that’s really basically taken apart their mac and rebuilt it like you can do with a PC. Honestly, just get whatever OS you’re more comfortable with because it doesn’t make that much of a difference in the end. If you’ve for the most part used only Macs up to this point, get the MacBook. If you’re more used to Windows, then get the Viao. Hope this helps!</p>

8

<p>Oh and I forgot one more thing. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy the Dell laptops from the school. Everyone that I know that did seriously regrets it! The laptops are big, bulky, outdated, overpriced, and the worse model Dell has! Get any laptop you want except for the school Dell’s!</p>

9

<p>I have a Viao. Now, I am a born and bred PC girl. But jeez, these Viao’s just do not stand up to the college life. They are weirdly fragile things. Browsing comments online I have found that I am not the only one to discover this. My friends with HPs/other less expensive laptops and Macs seem to be faring much better in terms of needing repairs/etc. The Sony had good stats on paper and it ran pretty nicely for 6 months or so, but now that I’m going into my third year it is really on its last legs. I got a very expensive 4 yr warranty which covers ALL damage - accidental and not - but for that price why not just get something more durable? I have replaced the hard drive and mother board once, and screen once as well. </p>

<p>I see first hand now that when people say Macs have a longer lifespan, they’re not lying. </p>

<p>I think the Sony models are high priced for a lot of style, but not for longevity. And as a college kid, longevity/durability/quality of build is just very important.</p>

<p>So as a Sony Viao owner, I would say go with the Mac, especially considering you don’t need to worry much about compatibility issues since you are not a engineering/comp sci major.</p>

10

<p>Thanks for the responses everyone, the input was very helpful.</p>

<p>After talking to the Apple and Sony reps at Best Buy and digging up some more info online I think I’m going to go with the MacBook Pro for similar reasons that you wrote about umcp11. The tech specs seem fairly similar between the two machines and for what I plan on using the machine for compatibility issues will mainly be an issue for any games I wanted to play and little else.</p>

<p>This computer is supposed to last me all throughout college unless I personally pay for another one so while the lighter and thinner dimensions of the Vaio are attractive the durability of the Mac has lasting value. That, and not having to worry about an untimely virus around exams is another plus.</p>

<p>Thanks again, everyone. Looks like I’m going Mac this time around.</p>

11

<p>Macbooks are waaaaaay too expensive. Like double a PC. </p>

<p>And Sony Vaios dont last too long. </p>

<p>However, HP laptops have quality powerful hardware, last very long, look really nice, and are really cheap. </p>

<p>I’m talking a 16 inch gaming laptop
2.2 ghrz Intel Core 2 duo processor
4gb RAM
Windows Vita 64 bit
and with an Nvidia 512 mb graphics card for only $845</p>

<p>Go with HP. Ive had them for years. always better than dells, vaios, and macs.</p>

12

<p>Remember you can buy it cheaper through the UMD IT shop.</p>

13

<p>I was in your position, trying to decide between a Mac and a PC, an HP specifically. I went with the MacBook Pro. It arrived last week and I love it so far. It is very sturdy and doesn’t seem fragile at all. I’ve only ever used PCs and i’ve had no problem so far with the OS or anything else for that matter. All the apps are great, it works well, I can see it being very useful/compatible with college life. I’d go with the Mac.</p>

14

<p>how much cheaper is it through the UMD tech store ?? if you go on apple and use the student discount its $100… but if i buy it at UMD is it even less ??</p>

15

<p>I’m not sure how much the UMD discount is exactly but I do know that you can’t customize the computer at all if you buy through the school. Fyi.</p>

16

<p>If you want a PC, go direct though HP. About once a month (if you check coupon code websites) you’ll be able to find a coupon for 30% off of a laptop of a configured price above $999. So, you get exactly what you need at a VERY discounted price.</p>

17

<p>For us when DS bought his Mac, we got the upgraded laptop, the ipod, the printer, and the backpack for less than upgraded on the apple site. They also have AT &T cellular.</p>