NEWS:
For a few weeks my WordPress database malfunctioned–it happened while I was trying to upgrade to the latest version, and during that time I resorted to using the blogging feature of MySpace temporarily (LiveJournal was actually my preferred choice, but since it’s now banned in China I had to pick one that I knew still was accessible in China).
The entries I made at MySpace blog can be read here.
All the links on the WordPress page still leads to error pages, so I’ll need to get those working again, but at least new entries are now visible.
I sell computers and I wish we’d had a moment to discuss your choices before purchasing. Sony displays are very contrasty compared to some other models – look for detail in the shadow areas that’s a good test for any display. Get the extended warranty – we get more Sony Vaio laptops back than any other brand. The glossy screen is better for imagery which I guess might be an interest area for you. Non-glare screens like mattee-finish paper – why would you put a piece of tissue over an image to look at it – get the picture?
Gregg – I tried asking around on forums about my laptop choices, but I didn’t get any real help. I ended up going for the Vaio FW-390 because it had customizations that fit my needs, and the full HD screen was unique among the other choices in the same prices range I looked at.
I did test the Vaio displays extensively while in the Sony Style store before I ordered one online. I had looked at my website and checked out my own paintings on the displays and looked for any loss of details, unnatural colors, distortions…etc, and I was quite impressed with the displays.
I’ve had the Vaio for about a week now and I’m using it in a dark room, positioned so that no strong light sources (lamps, windows) are reflected. When in controlled environments like that, the glare is not as bad as I feared, but if there’s any bright light sources behind me, I will get that unbearable glare.
The only reason I’d put a matte film protector on the display is to cut down on the glare. I have no idea if the film will cause any loss of detail or distortion. I’ve used a small one before on my Zen MP3 player and it actually looked really good, but it’s only used on such a tiny area–I don’t know if it’s the same when using it a much larger screen.
I had no idea Vaio’s are one of the most returned laptops. I didn’t read anything like that online. The Newegg reviews were quite positive, and I tend to trust the Newegg reviews more than other sites.