Comments on: Review: Sony VGN-SZ650N/C thin and light notebook http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/ Gadgets, gear and computer hardware. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:29:36 -0500 hourly 1 By: Geza http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1108730 Geza Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:12:26 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1108730 I forgot to mention that last week I was also getting the blue screen as well as the vertical green and yellow lines--total instability. I assume that Sony will replace both the motherboard and the nvidia? Sounds to me like a designed problem!! Sony reduced the price for replacement to CAD 380? Maybe they know something? I forgot to mention that last week I was also getting the blue screen as well as the vertical green and yellow lines–total instability. I assume that Sony will replace both the motherboard and the nvidia? Sounds to me like a designed problem!! Sony reduced the price for replacement to CAD 380? Maybe they know something?

]]> By: Geza http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1108728 Geza Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:07:02 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1108728 I bought my SZ650NC in January 08 and have had all kinds of problems, including WiFi getting confused with cable and wireless signals, ultimately crapping out. Hard drive needing reformatting, due to poor installation by Best Buy Geek Squad. Now mother board needing replacement. I care for it like a newborn child--so very careful. Sony service in Canada is slow. My machine will be out of use for 10 days--this is in contrast with Dell, where it all takes 24 hours! I ask myself, why I did I spend >2K for this machine? I bought my SZ650NC in January 08 and have had all kinds of problems, including WiFi getting confused with cable and wireless signals, ultimately crapping out. Hard drive needing reformatting, due to poor installation by Best Buy Geek Squad. Now mother board needing replacement. I care for it like a newborn child–so very careful. Sony service in Canada is slow. My machine will be out of use for 10 days–this is in contrast with Dell, where it all takes 24 hours! I ask myself, why I did I spend >2K for this machine?

]]> By: Adam http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1101452 Adam Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:48:44 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1101452 Easily the worst laptop I have EVER owned! I have had it for 17 months and have been getting blue screens of death and black screens with vertical green lines for over a month. I took it into service and was told the nvidia graphics card is going out and the motherboard needed to be replaced for about 800 dollars. I already paid 2 grand for this thing so I will not waste another cent on it, there are better machines out there for less than the motherboad will cost me. I would never buy another sony product again. Easily the worst laptop I have EVER owned! I have had it for 17 months and have been getting blue screens of death and black screens with vertical green lines for over a month. I took it into service and was told the nvidia graphics card is going out and the motherboard needed to be replaced for about 800 dollars. I already paid 2 grand for this thing so I will not waste another cent on it, there are better machines out there for less than the motherboad will cost me. I would never buy another sony product again.

]]> By: Nick http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1044386 Nick Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:58:09 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1044386 I bought this laptop (650N) two years ago when it had just come out. I paid full MSRP, but I completely agree that it is the best notebook I've ever seen or owned. After two years of admittedly hard use in my dorm room, two hard drive recoveries (due to reckless downloading), and at least a handful of drops from tabletop height it is still amazing. The only thing I would change is the keyboard. If this had a lighted silent keyboard it would literally be the perfect notebook. My favorite feature is the recovery partition in the hard drive. It has all the preloaded software and operating system stored in a couple gigs of inaccessible space on the hard drive. So if you crash you can press one button and the computer is exactly the same as the day it came out of the box even if its so bad Windows can't boot. I bought this laptop (650N) two years ago when it had just come out. I paid full MSRP, but I completely agree that it is the best notebook I’ve ever seen or owned. After two years of admittedly hard use in my dorm room, two hard drive recoveries (due to reckless downloading), and at least a handful of drops from tabletop height it is still amazing. The only thing I would change is the keyboard. If this had a lighted silent keyboard it would literally be the perfect notebook.
My favorite feature is the recovery partition in the hard drive. It has all the preloaded software and operating system stored in a couple gigs of inaccessible space on the hard drive. So if you crash you can press one button and the computer is exactly the same as the day it came out of the box even if its so bad Windows can’t boot.

]]> By: Jasmine http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1027148 Jasmine Thu, 28 May 2009 21:27:33 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1027148 How do I remove the hard drive? How do I remove the hard drive?

]]> By: bhong http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-1000664 bhong Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:57:47 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-1000664 I am totally agree with all your reviews,this laptop is A++, I bought mine on Dec. 07 and no problem since, I use it all the time atleast 6 hrs a day. The downside is battery life decreases a few percent even the machine is totally turned off not a bigdeal. Mine still averaging atleast 4hrs in power saver mode despite of its length of service.. I am totally agree with all your reviews,this laptop is A++, I bought mine on Dec. 07 and no problem since, I use it all the time atleast 6 hrs a day. The downside is battery life decreases a few percent even the machine is totally turned off not a bigdeal. Mine still averaging atleast 4hrs in power saver mode despite of its length of service..

]]> By: Edis http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-950024 Edis Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:22:26 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-950024 Hello, i have the same laptop nd it stopped working, i think hard drive died. How do I replace the HD, since its covered under the whole plastic, not like others laptops. Thnak you Hello, i have the same laptop nd it stopped working, i think hard drive died. How do I replace the HD, since its covered under the whole plastic, not like others laptops.

Thnak you

]]> By: Andy http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-589384 Andy Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:31:44 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-589384 Hi, I read all these reviews and wonder... doesn't anyone have a problem with the noise level of the fan? I am just about to order an upgrade to my sz450 and then i hear the noise in the background and think i should get a macbook air? would love to hear your thoughts on this... thx andy Hi,

I read all these reviews and wonder…

doesn’t anyone have a problem with the noise level of the fan?

I am just about to order an upgrade to my sz450 and then i hear the noise in the background and think i should get a macbook air? would love to hear your thoughts on this…

thx
andy

]]> By: Phill http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-572259 Phill Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:53:56 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-572259 Did you get it yet? Did you get it yet?

]]> By: Ricardo http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-570242 Ricardo Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:14:38 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-570242 This is a really good computer!!!!... for its price .... Super portable and with great power. I had my doubts buying this computer before but now I'm totally satisfy. the only cons that I could tell u is the adverts ...they are a pain in ... but there is nothing that you can't fix just remove them and you'll be fine. This is a really good computer!!!!… for its price ….
Super portable and with great power. I had my doubts buying this computer before but now I’m totally satisfy.
the only cons that I could tell u is the adverts …they are a pain in … but there is nothing that you can’t fix just remove them and you’ll be fine.

]]> By: potential SZ680 buyer http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-567407 potential SZ680 buyer Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:15:25 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-567407 I thought the ram was much less expensive than that. I am thinking of getting 1GB standard and upgrade later. Did you upgrade via Sony, or on your own? I thought the ram was much less expensive than that. I am thinking of getting 1GB standard and upgrade later. Did you upgrade via Sony, or on your own?

]]> By: Doug Aamoth http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-566442 Doug Aamoth Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:29:38 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-566442 Only shifts between onboard Intel graphics and external NVIDIA graphics. There aren't any further customizations as far as the Speed and Stamina switch is concerned, unfortunately. Only shifts between onboard Intel graphics and external NVIDIA graphics. There aren’t any further customizations as far as the Speed and Stamina switch is concerned, unfortunately.

]]> By: paul http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-552865 paul Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:07:07 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-552865 thank you so much for the review. i went ahead and ordered it at ecomelectronics.com for slightly over $1,500 brand new and no tax since i live in california i hope they will not send me a refurbished unit since the price seems low. i can't wait for the unit to arrive tks paul thank you so much for the review.

i went ahead and ordered it at ecomelectronics.com for slightly over $1,500 brand new and no tax since i live in california

i hope they will not send me a refurbished unit since the price seems low.

i can’t wait for the unit to arrive

tks

paul

]]> By: Nick http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-540524 Nick Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:04:41 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-540524 I bought it and found an issue with its battery - when this laptop is turned off completely (not sleeping, turned off) it sucks its batery about 10-12% every 24 hours. So if you leave it for a weekend unplugged it sucks quite a bit of a battery and so it limits your mobility (let's say you are travelling and don't plug it for awhile) I bought it and found an issue with its battery – when this laptop is turned off completely (not sleeping, turned off) it sucks its batery about 10-12% every 24 hours. So if you leave it for a weekend unplugged it sucks quite a bit of a battery and so it limits your mobility (let’s say you are travelling and don’t plug it for awhile)

]]> By: John http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-539959 John Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:38:09 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-539959 Thanks for the review. I'm also trying to decide between this and the Dell XPS M1330. Two questions. Is or can the fan get loud on this notebook and does the bottom of the laptop get hot? Thanks. Thanks for the review. I’m also trying to decide between this and the Dell XPS M1330. Two questions. Is or can the fan get loud on this notebook and does the bottom of the laptop get hot? Thanks.

]]> By: David http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-537354 David Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:11:40 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-537354 I've been trying to understand the differences between the sz650n/c and the sz670n/c. The 650 is $250 cheaper and it may have a less durable case, although I'm not sure. I know it has a slightly slower processor (2.2 vs. 2.4 -- my MS Word documents won't know the difference) but that's pretty much all I know. Any ideas? I’ve been trying to understand the differences between the sz650n/c and the sz670n/c. The 650 is $250 cheaper and it may have a less durable case, although I’m not sure. I know it has a slightly slower processor (2.2 vs. 2.4 — my MS Word documents won’t know the difference) but that’s pretty much all I know. Any ideas?

]]> By: amin http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-537019 amin Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:18:14 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-537019 You were right about the software slowing the computer down...so instead of uninstalling the crapware i bought more ram. The 2 Gb additional of Ram costs me $500 but it was worth it. I find that the Window's XP is also slow and has too many self checks...what do you recommend for this? Thanks You were right about the software slowing the computer down…so instead of uninstalling the crapware i bought more ram. The 2 Gb additional of Ram costs me $500 but it was worth it.
I find that the Window’s XP is also slow and has too many self checks…what do you recommend for this?
Thanks

]]> By: Ron http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-535363 Ron Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:48:21 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-535363 Doug- thank you for the in-depth review. I bought the laptop based on your review. I considered a Dell and an Apple. I agree this is the best laptop that I have ever owned, and that has been several. I bought mine at Best Buy and paid their "Geek Squad" to "optimize" the pc.They told me that they added about 200+ lines of code to the system register. (They forgot to remove all the junk software so I did it carefully). I loaded my copy of MS Office Small Business 2007 with no problem. I like the Carbon fiber case immensely as well as all the other features you mentioned. I also like the memory card adapter that is XD/SD/MMC compatible. I will order the large capacity battery and the bluetooth mouse. Thanks again. Doug- thank you for the in-depth review. I bought the laptop based on your review. I considered a Dell and an Apple. I agree this is the best laptop that I have ever owned, and that has been several. I bought mine at Best Buy and paid their “Geek Squad” to “optimize” the pc.They told me that they added about 200+ lines of code to the system register. (They forgot to remove all the junk software so I did it carefully). I loaded my copy of MS Office Small Business 2007 with no problem. I like the Carbon fiber case immensely as well as all the other features you mentioned. I also like the memory card adapter that is XD/SD/MMC compatible. I will order the large capacity battery and the bluetooth mouse. Thanks again.

]]> By: Josh http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-535304 Josh Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:44:41 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-535304 Hello, I am really considering getting this. I actually checked it out yesterday and was really happy to see your review. how would you compare this to the new dell (XPS 1330). Also, is it worth the money/effort to get the best processor or is the 2.2 fine? Hello,

I am really considering getting this. I actually checked it out yesterday and was really happy to see your review. how would you compare this to the new dell (XPS 1330). Also, is it worth the money/effort to get the best processor or is the 2.2 fine?

]]> By: name http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/comment-page-1/#comment-527792 name Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:47:53 +0000 http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/29/review-sony-vgn-sz650nc-thin-and-light-notebook/#comment-527792 The webcam is not 1.3MP, it's only a VGA camera (640x480). The webcam is not 1.3MP, it’s only a VGA camera (640×480).

]]>