Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (
More info?)
"Terry Ryan" <ter5g@virginia.edu> wrote in message
news:c56ib3$1of$1@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU...
>
> I'm considering getting a Vaio PCG-TR3AP1.
> The store clerk's negative comment was
> there are few tech support sites for
> repairs. Looking for comments about
> any experience with Sony Tech support.
>
Software support is practically non-existent.
BIOS upgrades are very few and far between.
HW support is kind of OK, as long as it is
clear which parts are broken, e.g. screens,
disks or CD-ROM drives, and it is obvious
what parts need replacement. It is also
slow, with 6-8 week turnaround involving
shipping the units to one of a few repair
facilities (I believe in CA, NJ and TX).
The smaller Sonys have been quite reliable.
The larger ones tend to have more problems,
epecially with the LCD displays (have seen
several going bad).
What I have learned through experience is
that consumer electronics companies, e.g.
Sony, Toshiba, JVC or Panasonic can build
excellent products but are not very good
at supporting them when they break, or
when they malfunction.
Computer companies on the other hand tend
to have better support for their products,
e.g. IBM, Dell and Fujitsu (HP seems to be
the exception).
My rule of thumb these days is: buy IBM if
I can afford it, buy Fujitsu if price is a
consideration, buy Panasonic for special
requirements, e.g. ruggedness or lighter
weight.