http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834117803

I am looking for a 16-17" monstrosity / desktop replacement to plant on my desk at college as an entertainment/multimedia machine, which will be complemented by a netbook, for under $1000, that's not a Macbook (because Macbook doesn't meet those criteria). (I would actually go for a Macbook if it did, though ... part of the reason I'm attracted to this Vaio is because the appearance / build quality is reminiscent of a Macbook and since it's on sale the Sony Tax (TM) is cancelled out and it's actually at a reasonable price)

However, I still have a workable 2.5 yr old Toshiba Satellite (the one with the broken 's' key) that can last me until the summer, so I don't "need" this until the summer. Can someone predict the future and tell me whether it'd be better to just get something then?

Those umbrellas are dumb

Eh... That 3600 doesn't have a very amazing power/performance ratio at least compared to the 4650 which on the cusp of launching in many brands. You'd be better off to wait a month or so.

no, u being a conformist is dumb

don't buy it

I've worked on the VGN-FW series (as well as a few dozen other Vaio laptops) since they came out & while I generally hate Sony Vaios, I must admit that this is one of the better ones that I've seen. If you get one, be VERY careful with the DC jack & case parts around the hinges. These are the most common areas that I see broken on a daily basis for little more than normal wear & tear. If you can afford a service plan, get one. While it looks nice on the outside, the inside is a different story.

I've had extremely bad luck with Vaio laptops in the past.

Thanks, guys. You made me hesitate long enough to see it go out of stock. $900 saved!

It doesn't have a number pad don't buy it

So now that I've not bought this, does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative?

A Macbook.

Thinkpad.

macbooks are green and environmentally friendly

macbook.

sonys are impossible to work on and nothing but trouble

I know a few people that are quite happy with their Asus G##V(t) units. They're aesthetically pleasing, the touchpad buttons are improved & I've seen very few of them with cosmetic damage, so they're a bit sturdier than previous Asus models. The downside is that they're a bit over $1k (maybe you can find one for cheaper). However, if you get an accidental service plan, which I would recommend, if anything ever goes wrong with it, you can simply chuck it off the side of a building & it'll be replaced for free.

Buying a Sony Vaio is like buying communism!

the dell studio line is nice and it's a nice price too. tons of connectivity including 4 usb, firewire, esata, hdmi, vga, 2 headphone... and the 17" have a number pad.
or the xps line. they'll bring you to the top of your budget.