groggyFrom what I've been able to gather, the newer generation machines have resolved the problem, because Sony went to a different drive manufacturer. The machine can be repaired out of warranty, but at a cost of $150, and sending the unit back to Sony, where it will be gone about three weeks.
Debating on whether to just get him a new machine (he wouldn't shut up about it last night... I was tired, didn't want to hear it) and purchase a good extended warranty on it, or sending the old one in (in my experience, once repairs start having to be done on an electronic device, usually more problems aren't far behind).
Leaving to go to work in about half an hour... working 10am-7pm today...