Sony VAIO VPCSA43FX/BI 13.3 Inch Laptop (Jet Black)

The laptop is powerful and fast, but the only downside is that it's ventilation isn't the best. The area where hot air is released is significantly blocked by the laptop screen when open. This can cause high temperatures and can cause lag. What I'm most afraid of is internal problems because too hot can ruin circuitry. Once I was just casually playing SWBF2 to test out the computer and when I felt the underside it was like asphalt in midday during summer. I'm a bit concerned but besides that this laptop is great.

Update

After 3 months this laptop is still holding up against all the games (black ops, mw3, skyrim, etc). But a new problem I came across is that it was made for hard drive replacement to be pretty hard. the cable that connects to the hard drive is blocked by where the battery connects to the computer, making it difficult to take it out. And I REALLY want to get an SSD in there (I suspect the 7200 rpm is a bottleneck).

First off, I must say that when searching for a new laptop Sony honestly was at the bottom of my list. I normally find them overpriced, underpowered and what can I say I am still a bit miffed about them removing Linux support from my PS3. What I can tell you after spending a few hours with my new VAIO, is that I am unexpectedly happy, this is really a very good machine. To explain how I wound up with Sony out of all the Laptops out their available on Amazon and why I am so happy, here is my short list of requirements that led me too VPCSA43FX.

1. Linux compatibility (Ubuntu Precise Pangolin)

2. Discrete Graphics

3. Not NVidia Discrete Graphics

4. i5 or faster cpu

5. Higher than 720p screen resolution (has 1600x900)

6. Less than 14" screen size

7. Something that looks professional and stylish

8. Thin and Light

So that list is kinda like driving directions to this laptop there isn't much else available that compares and is reasonably priced.

For Windows users, I find performance is more than adequate, it's not an i7, and not the fastest discrete card out there, but it is an exceptional mix of style, performance, and gaming ability for a good value at the 1k price point today.

For anyone that is an Ubuntu Linux user and is interested, this laptop works brilliantly as an Ubuntu dual boot system. From un-boxing this laptop to having a fully functional dual boot win7 and Ubuntu 12.04 laptop took less than 1.5 hours. This includes the time to download and burn the Ubuntu installation disk as well as complete the win7 setup and patch downloads (your download time may vary of course). Nearly every bell and whistle works right out of the box with no additional work to make Linux happy. This includes the often broken features below:

Wireless Check

Sound Check

WebCam Check

Volume control Check

Brightness control Check

Touchpad -Check

ATI Card Check

HDMI Check!

Keyboard Back light Check

Absolutely amazing! Sony who has demonstrated themselves to be very unfriendly to Linux users through the torture of their PS3 Linux enthusiasts, has released what is nearly the perfect Linux laptop! Not too mention that just a quick reboot and you're back in windows with an adequately performing gaming laptop, at least for last years games!

I normally have some minor list of complaints, however right now I just have a big smile as I wrap up this post written in Ubuntu a couple hours after receiving VPCSA43FX.

Excellent work Sony!

A side note delivery via Amazon Prime was spot on!

Buy Sony VAIO VPCSA43FX/BI 13.3 Inch Laptop (Jet Black) Now

I have had trouble with this computer overheating since it arrived. It has a noisy fan. Now it won't boot up and so I sent it in to get fixed. They are saying that it needs a new battery. I have had this computer less than a year and don't expect to have these problems so I am really disappointed. I am wondering if this was a refurbished unit that they sent me.

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This is a good laptop overall and has been holding up pretty well for the last 6 months.

Pros:

1) Very light and portable this was my main criteria while looking for laptops and Sony didn't disappoint me in that department.

2) Excellent performance.

3) Suitable for some intensive gaming. I have been playing Shogun2 without much trouble[see Cons].

4) Backlit keyboard feels nice and sleek.

Cons:

1) Could get too noisy and heated, especially when I play games.

2) The touchpad is uncomfortable

3) The screen looks and feels like low quality

Want Sony VAIO VPCSA43FX/BI 13.3 Inch Laptop (Jet Black) Discount?

I have been using Sony Vaios for more than ten years and every time I buy a new PC my appreciatio for Sosny products goes up. I'll continue to use Vaios for a long time.