Hi everyone,

Just like most people planning to get a sub-notebook, I’m torn between these 2: Sony TR2AP and Fujitsu P5020D :| 
I would really appreciate it if someone can give me some opinion:

1.No one seems to compare the sturdiness of P’s magnesium alloy case to TR’s case. TR has a very neat design, but unfortunately it feels a bit flimsy.  The battery doesn’t ‘fit just right’ either…Anyone has problem with the TR case?
2.For everyday use in web development, graphics software (Adobe, Macromedia), and office applications, which one is more recommended, P or TR? Assuming it’s plugged, so battery life is not an issue.
3.Some owners/users have complained how hot TR can get after a while, while P seems to be just fine. Is that a big problem? I don’t plan to use the fan device shown in one of the reviews here.
4.Can TR be used for hours without one of those ‘fan plate’ device? Just worried that after hours of used, smoke comes out :mrgreen:

This is really a great forum…Thanks!

Spicy Tuna

I am sure you will get a lot of positive opinions from this site because most of us are loyal Sony fans.  Speaking of “fans”.  I have mentioned the temperature of the TR3 before, but this is only a concern if it is on your lap for a LONG period of time.  I leave my TR3 running a lot (sometimes for days) and have never had an overtemp problem.  My batteries (both standard and extended) fit perfectly.  They are very snug. This may have been an improvement with the TR3 model or else I just got lucky.  I have had many notebooks in the last 15 years (Acer, Dell, multiple Sony’s) and my TR3 is among the most solid, durable and usable of all.  I am an extremely satisfied user of the TR series.  Good luck with your choice.

Thanks Vaio Jet!

Yes I know what you mean…the more I surf into this web, the more reasons there are for me to get this pretty laptop.

I’ve been using IBM Dell T30 for almost 2 years, never any complain (except for its heat-it’s Pentium IV), but I need something ultraportable for traveling. Although IBM won’t win any award in the design dept , I’m very satisfied with it, it’s really solid. So I’m pretty concerned about the TR’s body.

Do you use your TR3 often? Would you recommend it for business applications?

Thanks!

Hi guys,

I am also fond of for the TR sony, although I ‘ve never used the Fujitsu one.

Many friends of mine are asking me about the Portege from Toshiba.  They are much slimer but I doubt if they are loaded with all the goodies that the TR’s are.

I was wondering if you could also comment on these little devils.

tnx

I use my TR3 primarily on trips (I fly for a living) which is quite often.  It is great for packing (small footprint) and if you are sitting in an aircraft cabin the seatback in front of you won’t “smash” your monitor when they decide to do a Mach 2 recline.  When I am in a hotel room (sometimes for days) I usually leave the TR3 running the whole time.  I use a WaterField sleeve for the TR3 while in transit and that provides more than enough protection.  I do provide some level of attention to the care of the TR3 but I don’t feel like I need to wear gloves to use it.

Sorry Spicy Tuna, I kind of ignored your question about business application compatibility.  I am probably not the best source for a “business” opinion.  My uses are primarily communication, entertainment and general time wasting.  I guess being a “religious” Quicken user is as close as I come to business applications.  I am sure there will be a lot more insightful responses with regard to that specification.

Georgi0: I can’t comment on the Toshiba specs…but even though the Toshiba Portege line is also slim and ultraportable, I have to cross them out from my option list…and also the IBM X-series. They are great ultraportables, I believe, slimmer, yet bigger screen, but I hate the idea of bringing along the external stuff. I narrowed down to Sony and Fujitsu because they are the only light notebooks with all the utilities “attached”  :wink:

[quote author=“Spicy Tuna”]Hi everyone,
1.No one seems to compare the sturdiness of P’s magnesium alloy case to TR’s case. TR has a very neat design, but unfortunately it feels a bit flimsy.  The battery doesn’t ‘fit just right’ either…Anyone has problem with the TR case?

I have owned two Fujitsus (Loox-T and P2120) and examined the P5020D a number of times. The Sony TR is fairly solid although some may complain that the top of the LCD flexes too much. The base is pretty solid and even more so when you have the extended battery installed. I think one of the things is that people aren’t used to is how light the system is. It almost doesn’t feel like it could be as light as it is.

2.For everyday use in web development, graphics software (Adobe, Macromedia), and office applications, which one is more recommended, P or TR? Assuming it’s plugged, so battery life is not an issue.

Well, in terms of everyday use in the software you mentioned I’d say it’s about equal considering that the two have nearly identical specifications. The only difference is in the hard disk. The hard disk in the P5020D is technically faster although you’d probably be hard pressed to really notice it. My applications load extremely fast…most of my apps load in 2-3 seconds.

3.Some owners/users have complained how hot TR can get after a while, while P seems to be just fine. Is that a big problem? I don’t plan to use the fan device shown in one of the reviews here.

Heat really isnt’ a problem at all. I don’t use any sort of fan on mine and I leave my TR on for days on end. I don’t think the TR is any “cooler” than the P5020D. It’s never hot enough where you can’t handle the system.

4.Can TR be used for hours without one of those ‘fan plate’ device? Just worried that after hours of used, smoke comes out :mrgreen:

Yes. A lot of people here are doing it.