topic Re: Vaio U71 Import in PCs & Accessories

Vaio U71 Import

Mr.C — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 14:53:05 GMT

I'm thinking about getting a U71, which is only available in Japan. I've found an importer, but want to know if anyone else has got one & what they think of it.

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"I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not too sure."

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:51:18 GMT

One word of warning, VAIO-Link won't support it here.
It's a very nice machine, and if you don't get stung on import tax (maybe you won't as you're in the Channel Islands); it's a good buy.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Mr.C — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 23:53:02 GMT

Good point about the Vaio Link support Kee-lo, something I hadn't thought about.

However, the guys at Dynamism offer a full RTB 12 Warranty from either their US or Tokyo office, with all postage paid, so that's the main concern dealt with. Also, because the unit is a Jap import, Dynamism will replace the Jap install with a US/UK version of XP Pro and supply all drivers & install disks etc.

Starting to sound like on commission here (which I ain't) so I'll leave it there, but check them out if you like you gadgets etc.

Talking of gadgets etc, does anyone know of any decent websites for this type of thing?

Re: Vaio U71 Import

seb21__ — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 00:13:33 GMT

Coool thing:smileycool:

But a little bi expencive for a german moneybag.

In addition I have heard that, that thing in Japan is not no more built.

And all U50s, U70s, and U71 that you can buy are used.(But I don't know, that is correct)

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Akanksha — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 05:25:40 GMT

If its too good to be true then it isnt true!
I'll err caution, given the price!

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 12:35:47 GMT

Seems good that they do all that, but as Akanksha said I would apply caution.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Foxhound — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:14:50 GMT

Sweet Toy! I personally don't find it that expansive. I mean you really get something special. Nice specs for something this small! There is even a foldable external keyboard for home use..! Sweet! Okay I wouldn't make it my primiary pc but as a gadget it's sweet.
If you wanna get the cool stuff there's a price to pay but in my opinion it is worth it.
As for the warranty. VAIO-LINK isn't that customer friendly anyways. They actually kinda S..K.
I really think about getting one too. It's excellent for some websurfing on the couch while u watch tv. For instance watching Formula One and then get the realtime laptimes via the FIA website! U can watch movies listen mp3 on business trips. Look cool in front of customers and show presentations. If you have a Cybershot u can play in the card directly and use it to show your foto's on a bigger screen just by using the memory card slot.
I want one too!!
:smileygrin:

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:21:20 GMT

Yeah it wouldn't be my primary PC either.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Foxhound — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:28:54 GMT

Also take in account the Battery-Life. 2,5 hours aren't that long. Maybe an extra battery or the enhanced one is also a must.
Nothing looks dummer then a cool portable pc without power to do anyting. Just like having cigarettes and no lighter. Frustrating!

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:32:15 GMT

2 and a half hours is respectable.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

seb21__ — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 21:21:50 GMT

2,5?

My Vaio was died after 1 hour.
But my Vaio is faster.:smileywink:

I think a real Tablet PC is better as a U71. But that's my opinion.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

William — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 21:58:16 GMT

I was very very tempted to buy a U71 but compromised and got the TR5 in the end, which I am very pleased with :smileygrin:

William

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 22:32:48 GMT

Yeah tavlet PCs are cool

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Mr.C — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 23:09:54 GMT

Dynamism say that only the Sony Firewire DVD drive can be used to boot from should you ever have to use the recovery disks. The Optical Drive is the same that ships with the X505, so if you've got one, then great, if you havent then a further £169 (DVD-R) or £229 (DVD-RW) might be an essential extra - things soon add up!

I like the idea of using it to surf the net on the move, but there's no mention of built in Bluetooth so a USB dongle would be needed for Mobile Phone connectivity. No built in 56K modem is a drag too, so WiFi or a CF modem would probably be the best alternatives.

All of that considdered, I am still very interested in getting one
and it's made even better that I won't pay VAT - Pehaps I should buy a few and sell others to fellow Club Vaio users

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 23:12:08 GMT

I think Sony want more and more people to use WIFI to connect to the net now.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Akanksha — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 00:33:55 GMT

Pehaps I should buy a few and sell others to fellow Club Vaio users

Yeah sure, I was going to buy it off you, only that I know the dealer and the nitty-gritty too!

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Foxhound — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 04:14:51 GMT

2 and a half hours is respectable.

2 and a half hours are not respectable if you are flying frequently having stop overs in dubai and other international hubs.
With the latest centrino models 3 hours plus has become the standard.
You also should keep in mind that the specs a company gives you are usually max specs. Meaning with minimum payload and definitly not on the brightesst display setting.
Now my expierence is that under normal use the battery life is about 30% less then the specs given.
Take for instance the specs for the S series. At the Sony site they give a five hour battery life. My S serie never made it, My max is about 4 hours. So I asked Sony. The answer was that 5 hours is reachable by setting it to extreme battery life setting: which means dimmest display brightness, optical drives turned off, CPU fan control to level 1, these are not normal settings you use for everyday work.
Say let's say the give an 2.5 hour spec, you can only expect 2 hour battery on normal payload which isn't very long for an ultra portable pc like the U71. Portability means nothing if you haven't got the battery life to justify it. That's way I bought the X505 for those long trips. I just want the comfort off being to able to work and not have to carry adaptors and car adaptors around. It doesn't look professional if you come on customer meeting with a 5 kilo bag just for your laptop.
In my work sometime I often have too work 6 hours without access to a power outlet. I will need my pc to work with me for atleast 50% of this time, meaning 3 hours. 2 hours maybe respectable for the job you do Keelo but for a lot of professionals it isn't enough.

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 19:46:18 GMT

Good luck in finding something that can do > 3hrs

Re: Vaio U71 Import

Foxhound — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 02:58:48 GMT

I have. The X 505. But thanks anyway

Re: Vaio U71 Import

kee-lo_ — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 15:05:04 GMT

Really, thats cool [8)]