This is Sony's latest effort into the almost budget laptop market but still running Windows Media Center. And they've done a good job, too. Generally a better choice than the identical VGN-N11M as it offers a higher capacity Hard Drive and most importantly a higher RAM featuring a respectable 1GB.
The first thing that strikes me about this machine is the look. Shut, it is completely white - going for the iPOD generation I guess. Seems to be hard-wearing though and doesn't appear to get dirty quickly as I thought it might. The colour is not to my taste (I'm not a fan of iPods, see!) but I'm willing to overlook it.
As I've already said, the machine features 1GB Memory and 100GB hard drive. More than enough for your average e-mailer, internet smurfer, and Solitaire player. The e-mail and internet made all the easier by built in wireless LAN.
This laptop is also handy for those with a digital camera as it features both SD and Memory Stick slots for easy picture downloading. No more messing around with extra cables, etc. It also has an I-Link socket for high-quality, easy video transfer from your camcorder.
As for the processor speed, I'm not an expert with this sort of thing, so I will quote directly: Intel Core Duo T2050, supports enhanced Intel stepspeed technology. Sounds fancy, but all I know is that it works well and at a pretty good pace.
What does impress me most is the quality of the screen. At a nice size of 15.4", Sony has made the excellent X-Black screen for it's laptops for many years and this one is no exception. Very bright, clear, sharp and non-reflective. I've used it in bright sunshine and was still able to see the screen clearly. Very black blacks and nice, bright whites. (sounds like a Daz advert)
Of course, no laptop would be complete without a DVD Burner and the one that comes with this seems good to me. It reads all formats of standard DVD including +, -, Ram and Double Layer and will write to the usual plus or minus 'r' and 'rw' discs as well as DL.
Sadly only two USB ports are built in. One perhaps for a seperate mouse (I just can't get on with these touch-pads!) and one for your printer and you're out of sockets. Of course you can change cables over or buy a USB hub, but I'd have liked to see another one socket at least. Apart from that, the connections are pretty reasonable. The usual microphone jack, headphone jack, external monitor/TV connection and the aforementioned I-Link/Firewire.
Bundled software is pretty good. Sony's Sonicstage is the main audio programme, but of course you can switch to Media Player if preferred. There's DVD burning software as well as a DVD player. It even comes with Google Picasa. Even Microsoft Office is on this laptop. For under £700! Although it is a try and buy version. Mind you, Microsoft Works does all the basics and this is included.
To conclude, I would happily recommend this fine laptop to all buyers looking for a good quality, reasonably priced computer.
Footnote: This is only my second ever review (the first being a few years ago), so apologies if it's a bit sketch/disjointed/whatever.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) positive aspects include the speed, apperance/design of the laptop, and the enhanced performance. (-) i have a matt black laptop and it shows dirty finger prints.
Good Review - for a Vaio it seems like a "too good to be true" price.
gaunts 18.01.2007 09:24
helpful review, could do with some more info on features of the laptop, but a very good start. let me know if you edit and i will happily re-read/rate. all the best, gaunty
Jan 18th, 2007
very helpful by (33%):
helpful by (67%):
