Personally, I'd prefer the Panasonic (mostly down to the fact it would fit in with my Panasonic TV well and I just like Panasonic products in this area at least). However, I don't think there's a lot between them so it might just be things like this which help you choose between them.
I have been using the panasonic for about six months now, and I find it excellent, but one thing to bear in mind, the sony is divx compatible, if this is an issue for your friend.
Thanks all it is looking like the sony as the spec's look the same and it's cheaper, unless someone know's better
[/quote] The Sony does "Series" recording and DivX playback.