As the world increasingly demands more from technology, Sony is taking the lead by focusing on a total convergence of the Information Technology and Audio-Visual arenas. This is... more
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A review by stevo871 on Sony Vaio VGN-FS315M February 5th, 2007
Author's product rating:
Speed
Fast
Look & Feel
Excellent
Comfort & Portability
Good
Robustness & Durability
Excellent
Value For Money
Excellent
Advantages:
A reasonably priced mid range laptop with a respectable name
Disadvantages:
Hard drive size will not be sufficient for the more demanding user
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I purchaced my Sony laptop just over a year ago, and has it served me well! With previous laptops I have had problems with noisy fans and over heating.....with this I have had none of those problems. This laptop is about mid range however it is possibly one of the thinnest laptops on the market, making it easy to use wherever you are. Even a year on this laptop is still a good specification and the 80gb hard drive isnt paticularly a set back as it will be plenty for most peoples needs. I did have to send the laptop off to be repaired soon after I got it because of a faulty headphone socket. Sony were excellent with dealing with the problem and replaced the mainboard without any hassle within the years included warranty. Since then I have not had any more problems.
*Ram* Looking at the specifications of this laptop 512mb isnt a huge amount of RAM for demanding jobs such as graphic design or audio and video editing however it is more than enough for the day to day tasks like using Microsoft Office and email Software.
*Screen* The screen on this laptop is a 15.4" X-black LCD, with it being widescreen it is useful for watching DVD's in widescreen format. Sony's X-Black technology means a better lit screen with a clearer picture.
*Graphics* For a laptop of this specification it has exceptional graphics capabilities using N-Vidia's GeForce technology which it well recognised and respected in the computer world. The only one comment I have against it is that when playing some games on fullscreen they do not support how wide it is, so it leaves some of your screen black on either side during the game, its just a pity it doesnt use the whole screen. With laptops you still sometimes do get broken pixels, if its just 1 or 2 you probably wont notice it or worry about it, my laptop doesnt have any broken pixels so maybe paying extra for the Sony brand name irons out these problems.
*Networking* The built in wireless network is the most useful feature of this laptop working on 802.11b and g. This has a handly little switch on the front to turn it on or off depending on whether you want it to be able to connect to a wireless network or not saving always going into the windows settings. This Vaio also has an RJ45 connector so you can easily attach it to an existing network hub or router that you may have.
*Operating System* This laptop comes with Windows XP preinstalled however if you wish to have a recovery CD you must write it yourself. Sony's factory settings for the laptop allocate enough space for the full windows install files to always be on and able to run at startup if laptop is needed to be formatted or windows reinstalled. It is a very useful feature as it saves having to try and remember where you would have kept the recovery CD.
*Processor* The processor on the Vaio uses Intel Centrino Mobile technology which has been proven to be fast and reliable as Intel is the market leader in processors. At 1.73ghz it can run practically anything without working up a sweat.
*Connectivity* I would say this is one of the most useful laptops about for connectivity, with its memory stick slot, networking capabilites and also an additional port for any laptop cards you may have (eg for 3g).
*The look* This laptop has the look, it fits comfortably on anybodys lap as it isnt too heavy and is a good size. Its nice and thin compared to most other laptops which I think is a great advantage. I have found this laptop doesnt scractch easily and is very strong - its had a few falls.
*Any downsides?* Just the one, I have had this laptop just over a year, I do use it quite a lot so I suppose wear and tear will happen but I didnt think it would happen so soon. What I have found is the left mouse button and some various other buttons such as a,s and d are all getting worn off.
Overall I would say it is a very stylish laptop and the MemoryStick port and the 3 usb ports make its connectivity to other devices excellent. I would most definately buy another Sony laptop in the future, it is a true example of how paying a little bit more for a brand name pays off.
Compliant Standards: Microsoft WSS 1.0/2.0, AC '97
Input device(s)
Type: Touchpad, keypad
Manufacturer's product description
As the world increasingly demands more from technology, Sony is taking the lead by focusing on a total convergence of the Information Technology and Audio-Visual arenas. This is encapsulated in the word VAIO - an acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation. The VAIO World is a world of possibility. A world where innovative digital products interact seamlessly and link into existing environments. A world where the once separate spheres of audio and video, computing and communications integrate and offer users the ideal combination of form, functionality, connectivity and service.
Telecom
Modem: Fax / Modem
Max Transfer Rate: 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications: ITU V.90, k56Flex, ITU V.92
Networking
Networking: Network adapter
Wireless LAN Supported: Yes
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free):
2 ( 1 ) x memory
1 ( 1 ) x Memory Stick
Interfaces:
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 PIN FireWire
1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11
1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone mono 3.5 mm
Power
Power Device: External
Battery
Technology: Lithium Ion
Installed Qty: 1
Run Time (Up To): 2.5 hour(s)
Operating system / software
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software: Microsoft Office 2003 Small Business Edition (Trial), Microsoft Works 8.0, WinDVD for VAIO 5.0, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0, Sony Click to DVD 2.4, Sony SonicStage Mastering Studio 1.4, Norton Password Manager 2004 (Trial), Adobe Premiere Standard, VAIO Media 4.1, VAIO Update 2.1, VAIO Zone 1.4, Memory Stick Formatter 2.4, VAIO Edit Components 5.0, Roxio DigitalMedia SE, Adobe Acrobat Elements 7.0, Adobe Acrobat Reader 7, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition, Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 Try & Buy
Manufacturer warranty
Service & Support: 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 1 year
