I did it (for 3 days) - the SE1V9E / B with 4GB of RAM, 640GB hard drive and DVD drive. Here my first impression: It is elegant, but in appearance also not as overwhelming as some places described. Bin Samsung usual, and there also know the normal consumer notebooks to convince with style. But it's a matter of taste and does not look bad. For me strange (and inconvenient for my desktop configuration), all ports on the right and the DVD drive on the left. Unpleasant is already that of USB 3.0 connector has refused my (well-stocked) 3.0 he recognize external drive (Verbatim, 2TB). He recognized Ie., They have, but did not want to access it. In the Disk Management was proposed to reformat the disk, and then I wanted to do without obvious reasons. At 2.0 he connecting the drive and its contents has been detected without difficulty. Will try not to test the connection with another plate and possibly look for new USB 3.0 drivers. Sequel follows. The charger is not particularly small, but not exaggerated size; it is only the power cable (connection between charger and power supply) bit short; ie. the charger is now on the floor at the outlet and the connection to computer is sufficient to the desktop). The keyboard like it very much, has a noticeable stop and can be operated with just the right thickness; but it makes a bit more noise than I'm used to from my old notebook (but is it really loud, a slight but distinct clicking sound). The initial setup takes as usual under Windows but time - did not want to make from the outset a fresh installation, but look at me once what Sony offers so. But the Windows updates, I naturally recorded (a lot for downloading) and because the notebook has been running a little hot. The heat does not bother the fans but very comfortable. Without load it is virtually inaudible, depending on the benefit it swells occasionally to a soft noise on (similar to the splash of a distant brook; not uncomfortable, and I am very sensitive to noise). Under load (and that happens even when Windows Updates - processor utilization close to 100%) but it is really, really loud. Approximately like a Handföhn in operation - and update to 1.5 hours, reboot and permanent noise I was ready to pack up and return the thing again. I did not do it - instead, the penetrating McAffee (Internet Security and Backup), which wanted to force me every 3 minutes to a registration uninstalled. And lo and behold - the fan changed back to a distant brook and was repeatedly no longer listen to the rest of the evening. Of course, I must not start another huge update orgy more, but what the next day came, the fan did still audible, but not unbearable. Meanwhile, I have limited processing power in the energy-saving options to maximum 90% (AC) or 80% (battery), and the fan is almost never heard (but can still change, wait for the next load situation). And it's still fast - start programs almost without any delay, I have not even on my desktop (ok, the programs are still fresh - let's see what the future holds). The screen is a dream - really by far the best view I've ever seen on a notebook display. The brightness can be corrected manually by the way even with automatic backlight adjustment. Very pleasant. Disadvantages: it is really anything but rigid (but you do not have that every day ausreizen) and wind back button repeatedly elastically. But since I usually use the notebook on your desk or my lap, that's not a real disadvantage. As you type, it does not move. Sony allowed when connecting to an external monitor via HDMI with its Vaio Software maximum FullHD resolution (1080x ...), but on Windows (right click on desktop, change resolution) I could easily adjust my 1980x1200. The battery is still fresh, do not yet fully judge him. But without special load, but with activated graphics card He currently holds about 4 hours (wireless active). My conclusion: if you're looking for a notebook for maximum performance, then I would advise against without buying earmuffs of this model. If you - like me - a lightweight notebook as possible, with a large and good screen needs which must not take advantage of her in terms of performance in general, then it is right here. Fortunately, I do not install every day a bunch of programs, and sometimes does not bother me a louder fan. As long as he (Office, web and photo editing) remains quiet at normal work - and so far he is doing that.
4 stars, especially for the pace, the keyboard and the screen. Five when the fan would not be ....
Update after 3 days: Unfortunately, the USB 3.0 problem could not be solved. The Sony support has me recommended to uninstall the driver, install a fix (link has been sent along with the email), but nothing changed. Had then the notebook again uninstalled the driver returned to the factory settings, installed the fix and the problem remained unsolved. That was me then too much (after all, walked several hours for it) - for the price I expect but a working notebook. Have therefore the unit returned - thanks to Amazon, went smoothly. But I'm still sorry - processing, monitor and weight were really good and I have to date found no alternative.
Supplement to the USB 3.0 Problem (2.2.2012): I must relieve Sony here now. The USB 3.0 problem is more widespread and affects not only Verbatim disks but also other manufacturers (just checked the negative customer reviews on Amazon for WD or Verbatim and other external hard drives). There seems to be a childhood disease of yet new standards - the panels work with some combinations of hardware, drivers and controllers, but not with all. Of course, it is expected that such problems no longer occur today, but unfortunately they do that yet. Sony can be here a certain co-but surely not be blamed alone guilt. So want my 4 * rating of the laptop confirm - the fan still costs a star. And no - I have the same laptop is not re-appointed, but now a different, self-configured version (Core i5 and SSD) with which I am satisfied 100%.