I own an older Sony Viao laptop - PCG 540.
Things I hate about it:
1) The keyboard feels cheap
2) The audio leaves much to be desired
3) As noted, it runs hot as hell
4) The cooling fan sounds like an F-16 jet engine
5) The BIOS update utility fails half the time (though I blame Sony directly, not the laptop)
6) Battery life is just like you were told - sucky
Other than those few things, it's ok. ;)