[applesbiggestfan]

I'm getting a new laptop. Should I get a Sony VAIO or a Macbook

Processor...
Macbook: 2.4Ghz
Sony VAIO Z: 2.53Ghz
Sony VAIO SR: 2.53Ghz - 2.8Ghz

RAM: All can go up to 4.

Frontside Bus:
MB: 800Mhz
VAIO Z: 1066Mhz
VAIO SR: 1066Mhz

Graphics:
MB: 144Mbs shared with RAM
Z:Nvidia GeForce 850Mbs - 1500Mbs
SR: ATI Radeon...

Battery:
MB = 4.5 hours Z & SR = 6 hours

All have Wi-fi 802.11n

Weight
VAIO Z = 1.56kg VAIO SR = 1.88kg Macbook = 2.27kg

But the VAIO Z has HDMI output and higher resolution. both VAIOs have fingerprint sensors, and Memory Stick Duo and SD Card slots.

Which one should I get? The VAIOs are faster and better, but cost more.
The Macbook is cheaper and has OSX.

[Maflynn]

Duh macbook.
You expect any other answer on a mac forum

[applesbiggestfan]

The only better features about the Macbook are:
- the looks
- OSX
- ...yeah thats about it.

[Simon]

The reason the VAIO's specs are better is because it has already gone Cantiga. The MB is still at Crestline. In a few weeks from now this will have changed. And then not only will the MB be the superior hardware, it will continue to be the only one of these two to run OS X. But yeah, seriously, are you expecting anybody here to tell you not to get a Mac?

[applesbiggestfan]

I'm not expecting people to not say Macbook... but how many VAIO forums are there?

But even when Macs go Cantiga will they have better specs? And the VAIOs have more inputs.

[mduell]

Given that half your list of critical apps is relatively recent games, the MacBook (or any other laptop) with integrated graphics is not appropriate for you. The upcoming MacBook upgrade is not likely to change that. A lot of people are going to parrot that only the MacBooks (base/Pro/Air) can run OS X; which is great for people that want to run OS X, but it sounds like you don't really have that requirement or even desire.

I think the ASUS F6V-X1 would be a good option for you: faster CPU than the MacBook; more, faster memory than the MacBook; bigger hard drive than the MacBook; discrete graphics with dedicated VRAM; a tad thicker (1.06-1.39" vs 1.08") but over 10% lighter (4.4lb vs 5lb) than the MacBook; and it has ExpressCard (for future high-speed expansion), HDMI, a card reader, eSATA, etc. Oh, and did I mention it's $1200? Over $500 cheaper than a similarly equipped (well, as close as possible but still with some substantial deficiencies) MacBook. As far as build quality goes, Asus is the ODM who actually builds the MacBooks.

Originally Posted by Simon 

The reason the VAIO's specs are better is because it has already gone Cantiga.

Do you really expect the Cantiga upgrade to bring a discrete GPU, ExpressCard slot, flash card reader, eSATA port, or substantially lower pricing to the MacBook? I don't.

Originally Posted by Simon 

But yeah, seriously, are you expecting anybody here to tell you not to get a Mac?

You forgot mduell!

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by applesbiggestfan 

The only better features about the Macbook are:
- the looks
- OSX

It seems pretty clear to me. Are looks and OSX worth more to you than the greater power of the Sony's?

[Maflynn]

OSX is a vastly superior OS, so yes, it is better then Sony's

[BreadRecipe]

I agree with mduell and Wiskedjak. Your apps are Windows native and you should thusly get a PC... The aforementioned Acer or a Sager, perhaps. Personally, I feel the Vaios are overpriced for their specs and I lean towards Sagers, but that's a matter of personal preference in respect to what the machine will be used for. My priorities are smoking graphics card, fairly high end CPU, and as much RAM as you can cram in it. Weight and battery life mean nothing to me as 99% of the time I'm at a tech table in some venue with A/C.

[applesbiggestfan]

I really can't choose. The graphics and the speed aren't so important to me... but I would love it... and I want good battery life.. but I just love Macs and OSX so much!...

Choices, choices, choices...

I'm going to try my friends Macbook, and I'll go to a computer shop an test out the VAIO...

[Peter]

Vaio.