My opinnion of vaio are mixed. I think all around the components are chosen to work really well together, you get a nicely designed computer that is quick and efficient, and optimized for what it has. However, I don't think they are 'sturdy' machines.

Even though my desktop is better, I just threw it in the closet and use my sony because I like that more. After getting it I realized its a great machine, but I also realized that I really brutalize my electronic equipment. The first week I had it I had scratched the cool metalic looking paint on it and later I droped it while it was in my backpack and cracked the screen casing.

Next time, I wanna spring for a pannasonic toughbook. Those things are nice. Right now they are getting really popular with military contracotrs. While training for some of the systems fielded on them, soldiers are given their Pannasonic toughbooks and told:

Instructor: OK drop it.
Soldier: WHAT?!
Instructor: Drop it.
Soldier: but I d'
Instructor: drop it.
Soldier: Fine, OK. . . thud.. . . wow. . .
Instructor: OK now throw it on the ground. . .
Soldier: WHAT?!?!?!?!

Well, maybe they don't throw them that hard. . . but those things can work in the worst environments, and the new CF-73s have touchscreens and get this. . .its easier to see the monitors in sunlight than under florescent like . . . you got me, I have no idea how they did that.. .