Sony VAIO SA Series Laptop (VPCSA4MFY/BI): Core i5 2450M 2.5GHz, 13.3" 1600x900 LED, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, Radeon HD 6630M, WiFi N, HDMI, Webcam, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, Win 7 Prem + 4GB Xbox 360 Console $699 + Free Shipping (For Students Only) (expired)

10% through ShopDiscover also.

Microsoft store laptops are supposed to be free of bloatware, yet the only review complains about Sony Bloatware. Weird.

Great deal anyhow for those in the market.

got this lappy when it wasnt in the FP last month. it rocks!

Ah, right after I ordered my T430! Not sure if I would've jumped, though. I got a killer deal on the Thinkpad, and the build quality is incomparable.

Good deal here, though.

Quote from coolkatz321 : Ah, right after I ordered my T430! Not sure if I would've jumped, though. I got a killer deal on the Thinkpad, and the build quality is incomparable. Good deal here, though.

What was your deal? I am looking at Thinkpads...

Quote from Alapongtai : bought this about a year ago...for 800 for 700 (essentially 500-550 with the xbox), its a good deal. Pros: good build quality (not flimsy), decent battery life (lasts 3-4 hrs realistically), lightweight, backlighted keyboard Cons: heats up pretty easily, can get a little loud (but not too much to handle), dvd drive (not necessary), touchpad is not very accurate

DVD drive inclusion is a con? If it lacks it, some people might find it not attractive, but if it's included, you shouldn't complain.

Quote from makeitslickER : DVD drive inclusion is a con? If it lacks it, some people might find it not attractive, but if it's included, you shouldn't complain.

It's a con if you want less weight. When I'm traveling, I rarely need the drive.

Nice laptop and good deal if you have a student e-mail.

Quote from firebirdx01 : Microsoft store laptops are supposed to be free of bloatware, yet the only review complains about Sony Bloatware. Weird. Great deal anyhow for those in the market.

I believe that's true only if you buy it with their extended plan. Yes, this laptop does come with sony s/w pre-installed.

Quote from dn3g3l : easy to remove dvd drive to add ssd drive?

It's easy enough to add an ssd drive. Just make sure you use a magnetized screwdriver and be gentle with the screws. They are easy to strip.

Quote from bdsisme : What was your deal? I am looking at Thinkpads...

This deal ended Sunday, but it will be back. Well worth the wait, imo--

For $706.30, I got this setup:

Processor: Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
Display type: 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: NVIDIA NVS 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard Backlit - US English
Camera 720p HD Camera with Microphone
Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Ultrabay DVD Recordable
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)

I got the 6-cell battery, which apparently gets 8-9 hours of battery life. The review tests showed the9-cell getting FIFTEEN hours!

IMHO dvds drive is a plus. A lot of laptop. That have dvds drive. Have it on bays that are easily removable.

U can get HD to optical drive bay caddy on eBay for around. $15.

With the caddy u can swap out the dvds for another HD. So u can do SSD+HDD

J

Quote from ShIzNiTs : 13.3" on 1600x900 beautiful.... is this not an IPS screen so we wont have the tangerine for red problem? also it only says: Thank you for your order. Your order is being processed and you will be notified of the result shortly. is that normal?

Yep, normal for microsoft store. you should get confirmation in a few hours.

Quote from ParticleJG : So crazy question but why wouldnt this be lumped in with Ultrabooks? Before people get technical I know the Ultrabooks are low voltage, integrated graphics, high battery, etc. However looking at the specs, 3.5 pounds (some true Ultrabooks weigh this much), 6.5 hours of battery life, 1 inch thin, etc make me wonder if it belongs. Seems like a good deal for a like ultrabook with dedicated graphics, etc etc. (I am asking because I am looking for an Ultrabook with dedicated graphics)

You won't get 6.5 hours of battery life. ~4 hours in stamina mode and ~2.5 hours with the dedicated graphics card on.

My GF bought one of these during the winter sale the MS store had last year for about $750 I think. Haven't had any major problems with it and it did come clean with almost no Sony software (I think there still one or two things that included drivers)

These screens do not have the orange/red problem.

Is this a glossy or matte screen?

(To the person who asked earlier, according to Intel's rules, since they hold the trademark to the name, a SSD is required if a system is to be called "Ultrabook".)