Entry № 041-11 / V-1265 · 0:00 synced

Is VAIO BETTER without Sony?? - Vaio SX12 Laptop

ShortCircuit@ShortCircuit704.8K viewsMar 12, 202011:12
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YT
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Promos

VAIO was a big name in the computer world with Sony, but in 2014 they separated... how does it hold up today? Buy Vaio SX12 On Amazon (Paid Link): geni.us On Walmart (Paid Link): geni.us Buy Dell XPS 7390 On Amazon (Paid Link): geni.us On Walmart (Paid Link): geni.us On BHPhoto (Paid Link): geni.us On NewEgg (Paid Link): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. GET MERCH: lttstore.com Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT

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The video opens with the host introducing the VAIO SX12, emphasizing its departure from Sony after the 2014 split and highlighting VAIO's shift toward premium, high-end laptops. The unboxing scene showcases the clean, matte black build and reveals a surprisingly large array of ports for a modern ultrabook, including VGA, ethernet, HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB-A, and a full-size SD card slot. The reviewer remarks on the distinctive hinge design that raises the rear of the chassis for improved typing comfort and airflow, and notes the presence of Windows Hello and a fingerprint reader for quick access. The initial impressions focus on the external design, port selection, and the expected performance from a six-core processor, setting up a later hardware and usability comparison with the Dell XPS 13. The second segment pivots to hands-on testing, where the reviewer evaluates the keyboard and trackpad quality, calling the trackpad incredibly small and criticizing the keyboard deck flex and overall build feel for a near $1900 price tag. Blender renders are used to stress-test the CPU, revealing thermal behavior and sustained clock speeds, while fan noise is compared against a rival, clearly favoring the Dell for quieter operation. The final portion of the video moves into a build quality verdict, balancing the impressive port count and portability against perceived inconsistencies in material quality and a lack of a touchscreen, concluding that VAIO returns have not fully met expectations in 2020. The reviewer expresses a nuanced verdict: the VAIO SX12 nails certain design and feature goals but falls short on ergonomic and input quality at the given price, suggesting improvements like a larger trackpad, stiffer chassis, and touchscreen functionality would be essential to compete with top-tier rivals. Throughout the review, the host contrasts VAIO SX12 with the Dell XPS 13, highlighting differences in weight, rigidity, display options, and acoustics. The Dell is consistently portrayed as the stronger overall package in terms of build quality and user experience, though VAIO’s array of ports and slim profile are presented as notable strengths. The conclusion invites viewers to consider whether the VAIO SX12 justifies its premium price and positioning, while acknowledging that VAIO’s post-Sony era has produced some ambitious hardware that still trails best-in-class laptops in key usability areas.

Topics · technology · laptops · reviews

Questions answered

Is the VAIO SX12 a good value for around $1900 compared to rivals like the Dell XPS 13?
Based on the video, the reviewer finds the SX12 attractive for its port selection and portability but questions the value at $1900 due to weak input quality, trackpad problems, and a lack of touchscreen. The Dell XPS 13 is presented as offering better overall build quality and quieter operation, making it a more compelling choice at a similar price point.
What are the main usability drawbacks of the VAIO SX12 highlighted in the review?
The primary issues cited are a very small trackpad with poor click feel, significant chassis flex under the keyboard, and no touchscreen option, which detract from the otherwise premium look and broad port assortment.