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Sony VAIO SA3 ~$945AUD Delivered - W7 Pro, 13" 1600x900, i5, GPS, DVD-RW, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard

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Sony VAIO SA3 ~$945AUD Delivered - W7 Pro, 13" 1600x900, i5, GPS, DVD-RW, 128GB SSD, Backlit KeyboardAffiliate
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Lsouldout on 26/07/2012 - 21:00 bhphotovideo.com (3443 clicks)
Last edited 26/07/2012 - 21:54
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Good price for a solidly built sony notebook with a 900p screen. According to staticice retailers are still selling a similar model (with the same specs) for $2000+

Price including delivery: ~$945AUD

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i5-2430M 2.4GHz
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6630M + Intel HD 3000
HDD: 128GB SSD (Mine came with an Intel 520)
RAM: 4GB
ODD: DVD RW Tray Drive
OS: W7 Professional 64bit
Trackpad: Standard Button Trackpad
Keyboard: Backlit Island Keyboard
Display: 1600x900 13.3"
Battery: 6 Cell + Additional 6 Cell Battery Slice (15hrs+ Battery life)
Color: Black
Warranty: 1 year Australian (International) warranty
Other: Mobile Broadband Sim Slot + Built in GPS + Bluetooth + Wifi b/g/n + Gigabit Ethernet + SD + Magic Gate + 1x USB3, 2x USB2, HDMI, VGA, Fingerprint scanner, 720p Webcam, Magnesium Chassis
Weight: 1.6KG

Review: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Sony-Vaio-VPC-SA2Z9E-B-i…

If you don't like black, there is also a same spec'd (par the sim slot) silver version which is around $50 cheaper: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822073-REG/Sony_VPCSA3…

Update 26/7/12 9:47PM: As of now the current exchange rate is US$0.9606($1.00AUD) which means the total price (for the black) is roughly ($944.72)

Computing 13.3inch Computer Laptop Sony

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closed Comments

  • Utopian on 26/07/2012 - 21:15

    Comes with a spare battery?! Australian warranty? I'm thinking the wording has been doctored?

    There are similar machines around for that price, but the screen is definitely a special!

    • souldout on 26/07/2012 - 21:20

      Well it says on the Sony US website that it comes with an international worldwide warranty (== Australian Warranty)

      and all Vaio SA's come with a spare battery slice.

      Similar machines? Care to provide an example? You'll be hard pressed to find one in this price range.

      • Utopian on 27/07/2012 - 09:27

        I'll search for ya :p
        http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/review/notebooks/hp/folio_13…

        • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 09:49

          Sorry but that machine isn't really similar…..

          Why? The differences between the two:

          Screen Resolution and quality (the sony is higher and better)
          Low voltage processor on the HP (slower) vs the Sony's full voltage processor (faster)
          No Magic Gate on the HP
          No DVD Drive on the HP (no way to add an additional storage drive to the unit)
          No Mobile Broadband
          Battery not replaceable on the HP (unlike the Sony not to mention the sony has an additional battery slice)
          Battery life is higher with the Sony
          Build quality on the HP whilst good (aluminum) is no match for Sony's Magnesium chassis
          Integrated GPU only (whilst Sony is dual Inte-Dedicated with a physical hardware switch)
          Windows Home Premium (HP) vs Windows Professional (Sony)
          and the fact that Sony has international warranty

          The one thing going for the HP however is the sound quality (which can be a deal breaker for the Sony for some who care about internal speakers).

          The price difference between the two is ~$100 depending where you shop.

          Unless you don't need those features above then the HP is indeed an alright machine. However, the Sony is in another league of its own.

    • plmko on 26/07/2012 - 21:20

      There are "similar" machines, but none are built with magnesium chasis. This is a winner for business focused user I reckon.

      If only I can convince the procurement department to source these laptops for workers instead of those clunky tank Lenovos.

      • souldout on 26/07/2012 - 21:21
        -1

        Don't forget Uni students :)

    • Ahan on 26/07/2012 - 21:48
      +1

      A workmate bought a sony laptop from US and the mother board stuffed up.

      The sony centre first orderred one from US for him but when they realise it didn't fix the problem, my mate received full refund.

      Of course it took ages but the warranty shouldnt be an issue.

      • Click_It on 26/07/2012 - 23:59

        I recently had an Sony RMA experience with a digital camera and it was an extremely smooth process. Not sure how relevant that is for an internationally sourced laptop but in my experience they seemed geared to making the customer happy.

  • ssjmark on 26/07/2012 - 21:21
    +1

    The review I read seems to befor a different model. It mentions i7, 256GB SSD and a bluray drive..

    It does sound like a decent 13" laptop though..

  • oringal on 26/07/2012 - 21:26

    or get the silver version and shave off about $20

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822073-REG/Sony_VPCSA3…

    • aznsniper on 26/07/2012 - 21:30
      +3

      Seems like save $50 dollars!

      • Lenneth on 26/07/2012 - 21:33

        Since it is metal I think silver looks better and its more gender neutral for girls… I think so anyway!

  • Lenneth on 26/07/2012 - 21:32
    +3

    wow and it has a mobile sim slot too.

  • xxqqxx89 on 26/07/2012 - 21:40

    I would go for Asus, like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/872800-REG/ASUS_UX31A_…
    which has better resolution and GPU.
    Something to add is BP has a very terrible exchange rate.

    • souldout on 26/07/2012 - 21:44

      It's still can't compete with the Vaio's build quality and other features (GPU, build, branding…). Not to mention the Vaio is cheaper and the full voltage sandy runs rings around that low voltage ivy.

      Both serve different purposes though…

      Terrible exchange rate? It US based. So as of now (9:47PM) the current exchange rate is US$0.9606($1.00AUD) which means the total price (for the black) is about ($944.72)

      • addo on 26/07/2012 - 21:57

        I have to dis-agree with you, use full range of Vaio at work, maybe we are bad luck but we have a handful of hardware issues, what's worse is getting it repaired is slow and expensive if out of warranty.

        I'm not saying they are bad, because compared to say Dell or Acer, they are much better in terms of build. but I wouldn't say its better than Asus business grade laptop. maybe on par.

        • overlook on 26/07/2012 - 23:05
          +4

          did you say Acer? LOL.

        • Fuzor on 26/07/2012 - 23:21
          -4

          whats wrong with Acer? I find laptop from any big well known brand is good. Not like the australian "pioneer" type of brands

        • eug on 27/07/2012 - 12:26

          You need to try a ThinkPad. Or any business-series laptop from Dell, HP.

        • nfr on 27/07/2012 - 16:11
          +2

          Asus has business grade laptops?

        • eug on 27/07/2012 - 16:13

          Haha, I don't think so. Their Zenbooks feel very solid though - very unlike a typical Asus laptop.

      • xxqqxx89 on 26/07/2012 - 22:04

        Do you know If I use 28 degree CC, what the rate is?Currently, CBA's rate is 0.9901 USD($1.00AUD)

        • heavyfeather on 27/07/2012 - 09:50

          just used the 28 degrees CC now and the rate was 1 USD = 0.9756 AUD

          EDIT: i.e. $936.46 USD = $916.54 AUD for the cheaper silver model

      • gambit_asdf on 26/07/2012 - 23:04
        +1

        I also have to disagree on the build quality comment you made.
        I bought a vaio 4 years ago, think it was around $2000. The weekend we took it home, the hard disk died. However was able to get a replacement laptop on the next Monday, but as you can imagine it was not a good start.

        Then about a year later the spacebar key basically got stuck, as if the spring mechanism was broken. Had that fixed.

        Then at about 3 year mark, blue lines started appearing in the middle of the screen. Shortly the lines turned into big chunks and at that stage we just decided to get a new laptop since it was out of warranty.

        Not sure if its bad luck or what, but I swear I will never buy another vaio. It was quite expensive back then and you would expect it to last 5 years easily. My dell laptop which was cheaper and higher specced has lasted a solid 5 years and still going strong.

        The only thing I can say about that vaio was its screen display was the most amazing I had seen.

        • eug on 27/07/2012 - 12:32
          +1

          We have two Vaios at work. One is about six years old (Vaio TX) and is still going strong - never had a problem. It just looks rather scratched up now. The other one is about four years old (Vaio TT) and is also going strong with no problems, apart from the power button that popped off. It needs a pen to turn on. The power buttons are available on ebay but it's not that much of a hassle so we've left it as-is.

  • stiiky on 26/07/2012 - 21:44
    +1

    just so you know the silver model is 50 bucks cheaper but also no mobile broadband modem.

  • izzeho on 26/07/2012 - 21:56

    Mobile Broadband:
    Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T 3G

    Am I correct in my research that that'll cover both the 850 and 900 mhz bands?

    • souldout on 26/07/2012 - 22:03

      Stats: Qualcomm Gobi 2000 GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800 & 1900MHz)
      HSPA/UMTS (800, 850, 900, 1900 & 2100MHz)

      • scrimshaw on 26/07/2012 - 22:17

        Pentaband goodness. This is one heck of a laptop!

  • BobTheDragon on 26/07/2012 - 22:02

    Nice find, I don't think the silver version has 3G

  • sayako on 26/07/2012 - 22:35

    UPS Worldwide Expedited for USD84? Is this correct?

    • azxtani on 27/07/2012 - 08:25

      Yeah how do we get the black one for 945 delivered? Seems like shipping wasn't included in price

      • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 08:35

        Shipping is included….

        It comes out as $945 due to the high Australian dollar. (remember the $899 + $84 is in US Dollars).

        Read the bargain description as I clearly state this: "As of now the current exchange rate is US$0.9606($1.00AUD) which means the total price (for the black) is roughly ($944.72)"

  • [Deactivated] on 26/07/2012 - 23:47
    +2

    I wonder if B&H ever just stop and think "Why do so many Aussies buy from us?"

    • voter1 on 27/07/2012 - 05:31
      +3

      they should be thinking "would more aussies buy from us if we somehow reduced the postage"

  • kurabi on 27/07/2012 - 06:57
    +1

    the review link provided in the intro is for i7 model, beware!!!

    • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 07:58

      Correct, the only diffference being is the i7, 256GB SSD and a bluray drive. However, the majority of the review is the same for this notebook.

      • Utopian on 27/07/2012 - 09:33
        -3

        CPU, SSD are two of the core components. It's like you're defending family or something. Fanboi much?

        • sayako on 27/07/2012 - 09:43
          +1

          I believe souldout is saying we all can use the review as a reference about the build quality in overall.

        • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 09:52

          Not really a 'fanboi' of anything. However I agree that I should of been more clear and state that the review was soley meant for the build quality (like Sayako states).

  • stunspore on 27/07/2012 - 08:01
    +1

    Hmm…I prefer more hard drive space.

    • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 08:08

      If you don't intend to use the DVD drive much simply crack this open and replace it:

      http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/75829

      or you could always replace the SSD instead. But an internal SDD (Main OS) + internal 750GB (storage) in a light weight 13" unit is the best way to go in my opinion.

  • decksla on 27/07/2012 - 08:36

    i have a similar model but with the i7 and conventional drive.

    this is a great price

    be warned, if the SSD drive included is OEM, then you simply cant plug in any old SSD as an upgrade. from memory this model cam with SATA LIF connections and you need to be a little savvy when it comes to upgrade options.

    overall a great laptop which is clearly a step above similarly prices ultrabooks

  • nhutty on 27/07/2012 - 09:51
    +2

    i have this laptop that i bought in NYC when it first came out, SA Model, with the 3G sim slot. I swapped out the 640gb hdd for a 256GB SSD and added another 4gb of ram and this laptop flies! I paid $1400 when it first came out and still think its one of the best laptops i've owned. Only negative is the screen viewing angle isn't the greatest.

    For this price its a bargain, and BHPhoto is an awesome place to buy stuff. Shipping is expensive but you do get it very quickly

    • cwongtech on 27/07/2012 - 10:14

      $90 shipping (via UPS) for a laptop isn't what I'd call expensive :O
      Does anyone know the weight of the laptop without battery, with the battery, and with the battery slice?

      • decksla on 27/07/2012 - 14:11

        i think its 1.6kg with battery. i have the slice battery and i think it adds another 500g.

        feels a tonne heavier with it but close to 8 hours is nice.

        • cwongtech on 27/07/2012 - 15:23

          So the 500g = additional 8 hours?
          I'm not completely sure how the slice battery works - is it an alternative battery? Or does it add onto the normal battery?

        • decksla on 28/07/2012 - 06:24

          no 8 all up with vid card on on stamina.

          its like a nappy for the battery.

          if you didnt know what it was youd assume it was part of the laptop.

  • tabletop12 on 27/07/2012 - 11:23

    Will I be eligible for the Tourist Refund Scheme if I buy this laptop? What are people's opinions on this laptop vs Lenovo x220? Does this laptop have heat or noise issues?

    • JTL on 27/07/2012 - 11:54

      No, as you need an Australian Tax Invoice

  • tabletop12 on 27/07/2012 - 11:28

    Duplicate post. Sorry.

    • Maxxjet on 27/07/2012 - 11:31
      +1

      you paid tax to the US state govt (if any) and not to Aus ATO, how would you claim RE-fund from Oz ? plz

      • tabletop12 on 27/07/2012 - 11:54

        I thought the same but since I am going overseas in 6 Sept I thought I might ask.

  • Ward2901 on 27/07/2012 - 13:57
    +2

    Ordered ^_^

    Did anyone else grab the extra 4GB of RAM with it? For under $20 and not changing the shipping costs IMO it was worth it.

    • rumham25 on 27/07/2012 - 16:35

      installed? check again
      you'll probably need to install it yourself

      • Ward2901 on 27/07/2012 - 16:53
        +4

        I know it isn't installed, but not everyone is computer illiterate ^_^

        As if you would pay them $40 to install a stick of ram for you..

        • rumham25 on 28/07/2012 - 16:33

          That's cool.
          How hard is it to install ram, and does it break warranty?

        • souldout on 28/07/2012 - 23:35
          +2

          Pretty easy. Just remove the back panel which is usually held by a few screws and slot it in.

          and no it doesn't invalidate the warranty :)

    • tabletop12 on 27/07/2012 - 20:27

      I took the plunge and ordered the laptop with 4GB of RAM as well :)
      So excited at the moment.
      Can't wait for it to arrive.

  • bonbon on 27/07/2012 - 14:35

    Found similar one from Australian Seller

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-VAIO-S-Series-Core-i5-2430M-…

    A$ 1174 + 24.95 delivery.

    I assume this one with GST Tax Invoice.

    So it's bargain but not super bargain to justify my impulse buying.

    • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 14:42
      +3

      Looks like someone is trying to make a quick buck ;)

      The seller imported the product from the US. To be honest, I'd rather trust a reputable seller than a private seller from eBay. Besides it's $250 more expensive…

      Edit: It looks like it doesn't come with a tax invoice.

    • overlook on 27/07/2012 - 17:10

      a lot ebay sellers are classified as 2nd hand item seller from manufacturer point of view. For this case, you might not even get the Warranty and the Tax Invoice for extra you paid.

      Decision is yours.

  • nfr on 27/07/2012 - 16:14
    -1

    Good price esp if it comes with Intel 520 SSD, but its crappy screen could be a problem for some. I'd rather get Thinkpad x230.

  • lo200 on 27/07/2012 - 17:09

    So can we use the power supply in oz or do we need to buy a new one, have an inverter or just buy an adaptor?

    • souldout on 27/07/2012 - 17:33

      You'll need a 3 pin power cable (very cheap).

      or you can just purchase a US to AU power adapter.

  • azxtani on 29/07/2012 - 02:16

    Might be slightly off topic, but how does this compare with Lenovo s430 top range (currently $899)? And also, is the mobile broadband and GPS worth the extra ~$50?

    Thanks in advance guys.

    • souldout on 29/07/2012 - 03:01

      The Sony is built with better materials, is smaller, lighter, has international warranty, bigger battery capacity, W7 Professional and a faster dedicated graphics card (HD6630m > GT620M) not to mention the obvious GPS/Sim Slot.

      The only advantages I see with the Lenovo is the i7 ivy processor (which runs rings around the i5 but battery is heavily reduced -~3hrs vs sony's 14hrs)-, an additional 4GB of Ram (which is cheap as chips anyways) and that you can claim it on tax.

      Is it worth the $50 for the GPS/Mobile broadband? Yes, but that's if you use it. If not it's just a gimmick.

      I would recommend the Sony if you plan on constantly taking it ouside and using it on the go. Otherwise, just get the one with the best performance to price ratio :).

      • ghostdom on 29/07/2012 - 08:43

        So the extra battery slice come as standard or you need to buy it separately? Thanks.

        • souldout on 29/07/2012 - 09:09
          +1

          It comes with the unit.

      • azxtani on 29/07/2012 - 09:39

        Thanks for the info souldout, portability is a major factor for me and I guess I can sacrifice a little on processor performance for better battery life on the road.

        Also was wondering what the GPS module could be used for?

        • souldout on 29/07/2012 - 09:47

          No problems.

          Maps or if the device gets lost/stolen you could track it down.

  • bonbon on 29/07/2012 - 14:03

    I currently own XPS 15 with i7 2720, will this be good enough to replace xps 15 i7, mostly using it for Visual Studio 2010 and ReSharper.

    Any thought?

    • souldout on 29/07/2012 - 15:41
      +2

      No, it will be a waste as the machine you already have (Dell XPS) has superior specs (i7SB, better speakers, fullHD screen(?)). Unless you believe spending a grand for the sake of portability is worth it then definetly! However n my opinion, I wouldn't bother.

      Better spend the grand on new clothes or something ;D

  • BR on 30/07/2012 - 13:14
    +2

    Will the sim slot be locked on this? Telstra sims ok to use on it?

    This will be a impulse buy as it will replace a similar toshiba u500/oox which hasn't been used for a year.

    • Ward2901 on 30/07/2012 - 13:59

      I don't see how/why they would lock the SIM slot, it should be fine to use with telstra.

      +1 for impulse buying ^_^

    • bonbon on 30/07/2012 - 16:12

      I am still trying to find a reason to buy this.

      • souldout on 30/07/2012 - 16:20
        +3

        My favourite saying:

        "When in doubt, don't!"

      • bonbon on 30/07/2012 - 17:03

        But the laptop currently I am using is belong to the company, not my personal laptop. Though I can bring it home, use it as I like.

        • eug on 30/07/2012 - 17:04

          Wait till they find out what you've been using it for at home. Better get your own laptop for that! ;)

  • BR on 30/07/2012 - 17:24
    +4

    I was in doubt and just bought it.

    The ball breaker wont be happy about this

    • bonbon on 30/07/2012 - 19:08

      When in doubt, buy it.!!

      • [Deactivated] on 30/07/2012 - 19:19

        If in doubt, get the card out!

        • Lenneth on 05/08/2012 - 18:14

          When the statement comes, make a run!

  • ycon on 02/08/2012 - 08:11

    So tempted by this!! Anyone know if you can switch the dvd drive for a 2.5" Sata HD? I am concerned that 128GB ain't enough! On my current laptop I've got 1.5TB

    • souldout on 02/08/2012 - 16:17

      Yes you can.

  • BR on 02/08/2012 - 15:35

    I ordered on Monday on its saying the scheduled delivery is for Monday. It's showing it was in botany 10am today.
    Any change for delivery in Melbourne tomorrow?

    • souldout on 02/08/2012 - 16:18

      It will probably arrive tomorrow :)

  • BR on 06/08/2012 - 13:36

    Any ideas how to set up a Telstra 3G on this?

    • souldout on 06/08/2012 - 17:06

      Did yours come with a sim card inside the sim slot?

      As for your question, I'm not entirely sure however I remember there there was instructions to make it work on the whirlpool 'Sony Vaio S' thread:

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1639258

  • ycon on 07/08/2012 - 06:36
    +1

    I see discontinued- looks like it is gone. I hesitatated and misse dout… I guess I'll wait for the next one!

    • azxtani on 08/08/2012 - 19:57

      Me too … NOOOOOO =(

  • BR on 08/08/2012 - 10:36

    Yeah mine came with a us sim in it.
    I managed to get 1 sonymsn page to load then nothing after that.
    I put the telstra.iph in the correct part.
    All it wanted was that.

    On whirlpool it said to dl a new connection manager.
    Nfi how to do that and i would stuff it up probably.

    Also bought 4gb patriot stick from msy and it works no probs.
    The case from b&h is a squeeze. Its the rugged brand i think with orange highlights.

    Overall im happy as it has the features of my tosh u500 plus 3g.
    Doesnt seem aswell built but only half the price i paid for the tosh.

  • Ward2901 on 09/08/2012 - 12:28

    Has anyone had any luck setting up the 3G for australian SIM's on this? I did follow the instructions listed in he whirlpool thread (http://whrl.pl/RcT6jj)but it just came back with a no device detected message, any ideas?

  • BR on 10/08/2012 - 18:28

    Hey ward,
    I have had success with the 3g yayyyyyy
    Originally i was putting in telstra.iph
    in the profile part under APN

    changed it to telstra.internet

    Also i had a $10 sim and the nice guy at telstra
    gave me 1gb bonus plus whatever $10 uses untill march 30 2013.

    Telstra flies on it compared to the voda sim in a pocket wifi…

    damn i miss having a net connection lol.

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