The overall system is pretty phenomenal. The built in TV tuner is cool, especially matched with the graphics card that supports dual monitors. The 17" wide-screen definitely lives up to the Sony name. Performance wise it smokes anything I've previously had.
The only downside is the immense size. I probably notice it more since I've upgraded from the ultra-portable Dell with the 12" screen. If you're using a typical 15" now, you'd not notice the extra girth too much.