Is this laptop a good deal?

[IronFist]

My friend is looking at this. Here are the specs:

Sony Vaio laptop computer
Sony Vaio laptop computer in Brand New Condition. In original box with all original software and manuals. Also includes $100 Sony Carrying Case.
FEATURES
Model
PCG-FRV28
Processor
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 2.80GHz1
Cache Memory
512 KB integrated on-die level 2
Bus Speed
533 MHz
LCD
15” XGA (1024x768) TFT display
Graphics
ATI RADEON IGP 345M 64MB (shared)
Memory
512 MB DDR SDRAM (256MB x 2), expandable to 1024MB
Hard Drive
40 GB2, 12 hard drive
DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive
Internal DVD-RW/CD-RW drive9
(DVD-R write 1x, DVD-RW write 1x, CD-R write 16x, CD-RW
write 8x, CD-ROM read 24x, DVD-ROM read 8x)
Modem
Integrated V.90 modem
Ethernet
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet with RJ-45 interface
Memory Stick® Media Slot10
Supports optional Memory Stick® media
Pointing Device/Keyboard
Electro-Static touch pad
86 key QWERTY layout, with 2.7mm stroke and 19.19mm
pitch
Estimated Battery Life4
Lithium-ion battery 1.5-2.0 hours4
PC Card Slots
Two type I or II, or one type III card slot; CardBus support
Audio
Windows® sound system compatible with 3D surround
Built-in stereo speakers; monaural mini-jack microphone
Other Interfaces
i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) interface3, AV out (mini jack), 3 USB 2.0
ports, RJ-11 modem jack, RJ-45 Ethernet, VGA output, parallel,
headphone (stereo), mic-in
Power Requirements
135 watts maximum +/- 10% (19.5V / AC100-240V)
Energy Star® compliant
Advanced power management - APM-ACPI compatible
Size (H x W x D)
1.65" - 2.26” X 13" X 10.8"
Weight
7.72 lbs.with one battery
Supplied Accessories
Lithium-ion battery, power cord, AC adapter
Service and Warranty Information
One year limited hardware Express Service5 (Certain restrictions
apply.)
One year limited hardware parts and labor5
Telephone Support5: One year hardware from purchase date
Sony and Microsoft software: 90 days from purchase date
Included Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Productivity
Microsoft® Money 20036
Microsoft® Works 7.0
Microsoft® Encarta Online7
Video Software
Sony Click to DVD™
Sony DVgate™ Plus
InterVideo® WinDVD® 4 for VAIO® PC
EasySystems Drag’n Drop CD+DVD
Music Software
Sony SonicStage™
RealNetworks® RealOneTM player
Photo Software
Sony PictureGear StudioTM
Sony Network Smart Capture
Communication
Sony VAIO Media™ Software
Microsoft® MSN 8.08
America Online®8
Gaming
Microsoft® Age of Empires
Virus, Tools, and Support Software
McAffee® Internet Security Center Trial8
VAIO Support Agent
PCG-FRV28


Price: $1200


I don't know laptops so I thought I'd ask.

Actually, he just made an offer for $1000 and she said she'd take it, so is it a good deal for $1000?

[MasterKiller]

That's not a bad price. You could probably get the same thing brand new from Dell, with a faster DVD burner. I just bought a new Dell laptop last week. They have some good deals online.

[David Jamieson]

I dunno. I personally have a preference towards 115-125 lbs, dark hair, 36c 26 36 round about 5'2" - 5'4"

for me, that's an ideal laptop!

as for the computer, well sure 1200 is fine, but it's gonna be obsolete in about 3 months. lol

[IronFist]

$1000.

[red5angel]

for a grand its not a bad deal. Just keep in mind laptops are less upgradeable, a lot more sensitive and prone to breaking. I work on them all the time at my job.

[GunnedDownAtrocity]

that's not a bad deal at all. it's not going to handle newer games very well with that vid card, but laptops arent exactly meant for gaming anyway.

[rubthebuddha]

the battery will die in roughly ... six months after purchase. make sure the battery has some sort of warranty, or he'll/she'll be out another $250 to replace the focker.

trust me. i have a vaio at home, and the batteries are typically worthless.

[SanSoo Student]

I recommend getting a toshiba satellite pro. I'm not a big fan of shared video memory.

[Unmatchable]

Originally posted by GunnedDownAtrocity
that's not a bad deal at all. it's not going to handle newer games very well with that vid card, but laptops arent exactly meant for gaming anyway.

ever heard of alienware or voodo?

here is a good tech forum:
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/gentopic.php?board=2000110

[blooming lotus]

speaking of laptops, and this has nothing to do with your post really Iron, but I thought it was worth telling that I'm looking into a new sony myself and here in Guangzhou, I can pick up the best model + accessories for around y12 000 max.........bottom range 4 - 7 ooo ..........at the same shop I can do top of range but slightly used for 6000 yuan - ish.I knew there another reason I loved this place :D

[sticky fingers]

It looks like it has a desktop pc chip stuffed into a laptop which means it will need recharging often. If your friend has to rely on battery power alone where he needs to use it , then this one probably isn't the best choice.
There are laptops with chips designed specifically for that purpose. They run cooler and last a lot longer per charging. Look for the ones with 'Centrino' or 'Mobile' processors

[IronFist]

My friend bought it for $1,000 minus the $100 case. Thanks.

[slink]

It is more than enough. You can even buy professional software and work on it. For example, you can purchase Autocad 2019 (http://www.martialartsmart.com/index.html) and it will work fine on it.