Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A Notebook PC (1.0 GHz Pentium Centrino, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive)

Manufacturer:	Sony
List price:	~~$2,199.99~~
Our price:	that is 100% off!

Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A Notebook PC (1.0 GHz Pentium Centrino, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive)

Average rating: Stars

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good: it's *very* sexy, light, compact and fast.
The Bad: Month 4 of use -- hard drive dies but Sony replaces.
Month 11 of use -- no power -- totally dead. Sony fixes.

The Ugly: at month 12, my warranty is expired; the system runs hot ALL THE TIME. It's a simple matter of time before something blows again.

Net-Net: Owning this laptop is like owning a Lambo -- you don't know if it's going to start when you turn the key -- but when it's working -- you're the coolest kid in town. Better have a regular computer; keep this as your 'toy'.

Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A Notebook PC (1.0 GHz Pentium Centrino, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive) - Sony

Screen prone to damage w/the slightest touch - $$$ repair!

I've had this unit since April 2004, and it currently is at Sony for repair. The brilliant crystal clear screen is being replaced for $726.73 even though it is still under the first year of warranty. I dropped a pen on the screen, it barely tapped the surface, and the screen burst forth with white and rainbow, wiping out all readable text and display.

Again, THE PEN BARELY TAPPED THE SURFACE, AND THE SCREEN WENT OUT! I remember the salesman telling me to buy the warranty for just that reason, however Sony tells me that the warranty does not cover physical damage. So I am screwed, and must treat this notebook like a fragile (and expensive) carton of eggs. Beware of the XBrite screen if you are looking for a notebook that needs to stand up to the road, or any sensitive contact with the outside world.

Outside of the costly penalty to enjoy the screen on the product, it is a great machine. I'm just sick to my stomach that such a fine item has such a sensitive and expensive screen to repair. It hurt enough to cough up $2300 for this baby, but when you have to pay hundreds more for repairs, or the accidental damage warranty, it's time to think again.

Sony - Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A Notebook PC (1.0 GHz Pentium Centrino, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive)

Looks 10 reliability 0

I have had this expensive machine for a little over two years and have not gone six months without major problems. This includes two trips to the service center in San Diego. I love the size, its features and it's eye catching looks. However it's lack of an internal fan leads to overheating which I am sure is contributing to the poor performance--including the need to replace the hard drive after less than 6 months of light home use by my wife. I noticed that Sony produced an early micro similar for the Japenese market which was pulled due to over heating problems and have wondered if the TR3A is a relative. I have anorther VAIO desktop that runs Media Center XP and it is outstanding. I also believe Sony's technical support is one of the best---I just wish I wasn't on a first name basis with them. I would strongly recommend against anyone purchasing this machine.

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