For the price (£999.99 from Currys, I got it for £899.99 with staff discount), this sytem wasn't the best in terms of specification, and it was when XP had just been released.
The system has 128MB RAM, an 800MHz processor and an 8MB 3D Video Card. The 15" monitor is very good, and the DVD and Floppy disk drives come in useful, as many of the Laptops in this catergory still have CD-ROM only.
I chose this system, rather than the cheaper, better spec systems, as I figured that, as I dont play games I would rather opt for the brand-name (sony) rather than some dodgy company I hadn't heard of. I probably did this because I was expecting better customer support - I was wrong.
It came pre-installed with Windows XP, which excited me at the time, as XP was brand-new at the time, and only a few of the laptops had it, some were still on ME.
The sony-vaio support website is fairly useful, but not always working, but the email service is excellent and very prompt. The telephone support however it appauling, at 50p a minute, it is open only mon-fri 9am-5pm, which is no use to me, as I have to be at work. But I managed to get some time, and was on the phone, just waiting for 3 hours, when someone answered and said "we are sorry, but the offices are now closed, if you have been waiting for a long time, please call back tommorrow" - terrible!
I finally managed to get through, and I was told I would need to be transfered to another support personal, as they were new, then I was sent to tech support and then back around again - again, useless.
Overall, I am impressed with the laptop. I have had a few problems with it, that were solved by re-installing windows. Non-Sony webcams dont work well with it - clash with the modem and video card.
The only other problem is the battery life, only 1.5 hours, but this is about the same as other notebooks of this class.
The software packages it came with were great, including many sound, video and picture software.. partularly if you have a digital camera and/or digital music device such as a minidisc or mp3 player. It also has software such as Norton Anti-Virus, which is useful. It could've done with a simple office package, like star office or microsoft works.
The back-up CD is easy-to-use, much better than others I've used in the past.
I would recommend this product, but would warn them of the shoddy support.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) cool and quite robust trackpad, good display,64-bit windows 7 (-) few connectors,dell drivers only, not realy for gameing (most models), finger print prone!
I would have gone for the Sony as well. Might not now. I thought that the opinion was well written, but could have a bit more technical information and more about the package.
Katecgreen 29.08.2002 23:17
Im looking for a laptop but im after a higher spec! Sounds ok though for standard use! Kate x
This Replacement Laptop AC Power Adapter/Charger for your laptop enables you to operate ... more
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Advantages: Ease of use.Longevity - still using many years after its product launch.Made by a reliable manufacturer.Good connectivity. Disadvantages: Rather heavy at 3.1kg.At time of writing it's a very old model of Vaio but still very current but as it can be picked up cheap on Ebay its price would be the reason or getting it.
bloggie 27.01.2007 (28.01.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Sony Vaio PCG-FX401
Advantages: Ease of use.Longevity - still using many years after its product launch.Made by a reliable manufacturer.Good connectivity. Disadvantages: Rather heavy at 3.1kg.At time of writing it's a very old model of Vaio but still very current but as it can be picked up cheap on Ebay its price would be the reason or getting it.
bloggie 27.01.2007 (28.01.2007)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Sony Vaio PCG-FX401
Aug 29th, 2002
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