Do Not Buy This Notebook

I purchased this computer 45 days ago. Today, the spring under the left mouse key failed. There is no reflex in the key at this point.

I called Sony and received absolutely horrid service and even worse service options.

Initially, after explaining the problem, the service technician asked me to reboot the computer and enter the BIOS setup. This didn't make any sense to me, but I did it anyway. After he asked me to reset the defaults in the BIOS setup, I had to explain again that this was a hardware failure, not a software failure.

He then told me that I would need to send the notebook back to Sony for repair. It will take approximately three weeks, he told me. I explained that I could not afford to be without my notebook for three weeks. He said that was the best they could do. I asked if there were any on-site options available. He said yes, but it would cost $149. I told him that I would not pay for service as the notebook is only 45 days old and has not undergone any abuse or excessive wear and tear. He said he had no other options.

I asked if I could simply take it back to the retailer or have Sony exchange it for another one so I can continue to use a notebook. He said no.

It was very hard to understand the Sony representative.

I asked for his supervisor. He was even worse. That is, after waiting ten minutes and being transferred back to the original tech two times.

The bottom line is this. This machine is slow with VISTA. Slow to boot up and slow to shut down. All of the added software is a drain on notebook performance and is a real pain. The hardware failed after 45 days and Sony is not willing to stand behind its notebook, which I paid a PREMIUM price for, thinking I would get a quality piece of hardware and a quality company behind it.

Don't buy a Sony notebook. I should have bought the Dell.