Sony Vaio VGN-FE11H

.../> You are not a Sony newbie? Therefore if you already possess a Sony phone or camera that uses the Memory Stick Duo memory card you will just need to insert the memory card in the slot dedicated to it in the notebook's chassis! No need to use USB cables between your Sony phone or digital camera anymore! Once the memory card is slotted in, the system will recognise it and will allow you to transfer fast files between the laptop and the memory card. ...
...a satisfied user of my Sony VAIO laptop. Work and play with a modern and comfortable touch go well hand-in-hand with this Notebook. I wish it long life so that it does not get too quickly outdated in our fast changing teched world! Would this laptop be £100 less I would be very satisfied since the same manufacturer offers a very large range of almost similar laptops at fast decreasing prices. You may get very easily lost among the growing Sony VAIO ... more

This all technology stylish laptop serves well my need as a heavy multi-task computer user of both home work and digital entertainment. I will present here the feedback from the last 6 months spent with this multifunctional digital companion.

The Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor advertised as "Intel Centrino Duo" label stickers on the top right of the key board provides multiple advantages:

This processor enables parallel threads and multiple intense applications executed on dedicated resources enabling keeping simultaneous applications open and multitasking

Its centralized Smart cache control logic lowers its voltage below the Deeper Sleep minimum to enable enhanced power savings and power optimization.
However for security reasons I would advise you to shutdown your laptop when you do not use it.

This first mobile-optimized processor enhances performance and visual quality for high-digital entertainment. Let's note in parallel the award winning X-black technology featured by this notebook. It also contributes to an immersive digital entertainment experience: increased brightness, improved clarity and contrast, and wider viewing angles

The laptop comes with some value added packages: Windows XP Media Center Edition. This specific Windows XP edition gives you an all-in-one PC and entertainment center provided you enable it purchasing the additional license ;-).. What are the main functions?
My TV offers a simple way to browse, watch, and record TV, even on multiple channels at the same time (both analog and over-the-air digital).
My Music offers access to your personal and online music collection. Now it's easier than ever to play a music CD, copy it into your library, burn a CD, create a playlist, and edit album details.
Enjoy DVD movies on your Media Center PC. You'll get full progressive-scan DVD playback with online chapter lookup on Media Center PCs equipped with DVD decoders manufactured by Media Center partners (standard hardware on new PC configurations).
My Pictures provides a fun new way to instantly enjoy and share your digital photos. Download pictures from your digital camera, view your pictures and graphics, create a near-instant slide show, touch up, print, and burn photos to CD-all with your remote control.
More information under the link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
Personally I have not enabled it since I am using the Intervideo Win DVD for VAIO included in the default programs and Windows Media Player for internet radio, television internet video and personal music collection stored on the hard drive.

Other VAIO software packages include Adobe Photoshop Elements. Warning, this is not the full Adobe software.
This program will enable to work out your picture but not redesign them: Instantly fix flaws or adjust color and lighting with advanced controls. Quickly drop your photos into customizable layouts and show off your creativity with dynamic web photo galleries created using Flash® technology. And view all your photos and video clips in one convenient place.
This program is different from the full Adobe Photoshop CS2 that enables you to fully design, create and transform new or existing pictures.
Cons: the laptop does not come with the full MS Office Applications, but only a 90-days trial.
Does this laptop come with too many packages? Depending on your requirements feel free to uninstall the software you will not need and install the ones adapted to your daily use.

3 USB ports are built in the chassis. Note that some models now offer 4 USB ports.
It does not include a webcam but you can easily plug an external one to the USB port.
On the drawback side it does not include the serial, outprint port so connecting some printers or some networking devices such as routers or switches will not be possible.
You are not a Sony newbie? Therefore if you already possess a Sony phone or camera that uses the Memory Stick Duo memory card you will just need to insert the memory card in the slot dedicated to it in the notebook's chassis! No need to use USB cables between your Sony phone or digital camera anymore! Once the memory card is slotted in, the system will recognise it and will allow you to transfer fast files between the laptop and the memory card.
It includes the wireless lan card built-in and the wizzard to easily set-up a home wireless network.

This model gives you 100 GB storage that should well sufice the need of a medium to heavy computer user (storage of photos, videos, etc). Bear in mind that some models offer 160GBs!

The high end characteristics of its graphic cards are worth commenting for casual, true or hardcore computer gamers and for non gamers as well. Why? This laptop offers a GeForce Go 7400 with Turbocache 256 MB graphic memory card combining the size and bandwidth of video memory with dynamically available system memory for optimal system performance. Not only it will be useful for computer gamers but you will appreciate the 7400 when watching dvds, movies etc. This graphic card will also optimize battery time, feature quite useful for the very mobile owners. You will get around an extra hour battery life over traditional graphic cards. It is as well compatible with the newly launched Windows Vista operating system.

And what about the hip and mobile look of the VAIO? Open it and it will add a "whoa", futurist expression to whatever location you are thanks to its sleek dimensions, black and metallic silver finish. Use the white, large keyboard and light tactile feel of its keyboard keys.
As far as the portability is concerned this laptop weights 2.8kgs making it easy to carry wherever you go. Being technogypsy?? … On the spur of the moment, in the kitchen or at a friend's place, you can send emails to friends or watch streamed videos from the Net.

All in all I am a satisfied user of my Sony VAIO laptop. Work and play with a modern and comfortable touch go well hand-in-hand with this Notebook. I wish it long life so that it does not get too quickly outdated in our fast changing teched world! Would this laptop be £100 less I would be very satisfied since the same manufacturer offers a very large range of almost similar laptops at fast decreasing prices. You may get very easily lost among the growing Sony VAIO Universe! 

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