Sony VAIO Lifestyle VGN-P688E/R 8-Inch Laptop - Red

About the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone, the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag. But more than just offering easy mobility, the Lifestyle PC is packed full of advanced computing, communication, and location capabilties. It comes with the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system, supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. This version of the Lifestyle PC (model P688E/R) comes in garnet red, but it's also available emerald green, onyx black, crystal white, and gold.

The Lifestyle PC incorporates built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. You can toggle among various wireless options for the most efficient connection--Wi-Fi for working at a coffee shop; Bluetooth for peripherals; and Mobile Broadband service on the Verizon Wireless nationwide network when traveling outside the reach of hotspots (subscription required). It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions.

The high-resolution, backlit 8-inch ultra-wide XBRITE-ECO display provides razor-sharp viewing on the go. It's powered by a 1.33 GHz Intel processor and includes a 64 GB solid state drive for faster read/write times and greater durability, memory expansion via Memory Stick media and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and 2 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), and Windows Vista Home Basic operating system (32-bit). Other features include a Motion Eye webcam (with omnidirectional microphone) integrated into the to right corner of the display bezel for easy video chats, two USB ports, and a VGA port for connecting to an external monitor. The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separately).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.


Key Features

• 8-inch XBRITE-ECO LED-backlit screen with 1600 x 768-pixel high-def resolution (Learn more)
• 1.33 GHz Intel processor with 512 KB L2 cache and 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB)
  64 GB solid state drive is free of moving parts and designed to last longer than a conventional spinning hard drive. Plus, solid state drives are almost two times faster than conventional drives.
• 2 GB of RAM (533 MHz) maximizes capacity
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 with up to 760 MB of shared video memory
  Built-in real-time GPS lets you navigate even the most unfamiliar places with ease--no internet connection required.
• MOTION EYE webcam and microphone lets you quickly snap photos and video chat with friends and family.
• Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In for constant connection on the go and no additional wireless card needed (broadband internet service required).
• Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for greater speed and range
• Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
• Intel High Definition Audio with headphone output
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) operating system
• Up to 4 hours of battery life
• Dimensions: 9.7 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty, and 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance (a 1-year international service plan is also available).

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

Enjoy easy wireless networking with the integrated tri-mode Atheros Draft-N wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless networks). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots). It comes with the following external connectors:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 I/O port
• 1 headphone jack
• Memory Stick Duo media slot with MagicGate functionality
• Secure Digital card slot (compatible with MMC media)

What's in the box

This package contains the Sony VAIO Lifestyle VGN-P688E/R laptop, standard capacity rechargeable battery (VGPBPS15/B), AC adapter, power cord, 2 spare pointing stick caps, printed user manual.

It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, VAIO Media plus multimedia streaming software

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Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/S 15.4" Laptop

Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/S 15.4" Laptop
(Intel Pentium Dual Core T2330 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)


Offering powerful computing resources at an affordable price, the Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/S also makes a stylish statement with rounded corners and unique coloring. This Granite VAIO NR notebook features a matte silver hue that showcases the notebook's subtly textured chassis and clean lines. The widescreen 15.4-inch screen makes it easy to multitask in several open windows, or watch a DVD in its proper aspect ratio. And Sony's original XBRITE-ECO LCD technology delivers razor-sharp details and crisp, bold colors--all while conserving battery life. The instant AV Mode feature enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system.


This notebook is powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium T2330 dual-core processor and it comes with 1 GB of installed RAM (which can be increased to a maximum of 2 GB). Other features include a roomy 200 GB hard drive, 54g Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g), multi-format/dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.


Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.


The Basics

• Processor: The 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium T2330 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC’s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache, and they have a 533 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)


• Hard Drive: The 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.


• Memory: The 1 GB of installed DDR2 RAM (PC4200, 2 x 512 MB DDR2, 533 MHz) is a good start, but you'll want to maximize the 2 GB RAM capacity to handle hungry productivity software and demanding multimedia. Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.


• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.


• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio

You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 251 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & ExpansionThis notebook has an integrated Atheros 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players


• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals


• Video output: 1 VGA


• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot


• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)


• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)


• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack


• Fast Ethernet port for a 10/100 connection


• 56K modem (V.90/V.92)

Operating System

Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

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Sony VAIO VGN-UX280P 4.5" Notebook PC

Sony VAIO VGN-UX280P 4.5" Notebook PC (Intel Core Solo Processor U1400, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive)

List Price: $2,000.00
Price: $999.99
You Save: $1,000.01 (50%)
Availability: In Stock. (Amazon.com)

Product Features

1. Amazingly small micro PC fits in your hand--4.5 inch LCD touch screen and hidden keyboard
2. 1.2 GHz Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core Solo U1400 processor, 40 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM
3. Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) with Cingular SIM card, Bluetooth connectivity
4. One built-in USB 2.0 port and Memory Stick slot; includes port replicator with three USB, one FireWire, Ethernet, VGA out, composite A/V out
5. Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

1. Hardware Platform: PC
2. Processor: 1.2 GHz Intel Core Solo
3. System Bus Speed: 533
4. Number of Processors: 1
5. RAM: 1000 MB
6. RAM Type: DDR2 SDRAM

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Sony VAIO VGN-FZ140E/B 15.4" Notebook PC

Customer review : Solid, lighter & faster than my desktop!!

I own it only for a week now. Yet to explore several features. First impression is very good. Build quality is very good. No drag, faster, lighter. Wireless connection is good. Screen quality is good. Best thing is the video chat. Built-in camera mic are way better than my Logitech Quickcam Fusion(which is supposed to be one of the best). Played DVD quite nicely while downloading, doing other stuff. S-video works well.

Did not test DVD writer. Did not try playing media without booting OS yet. Did not stress test the system yet.

The Good:
1) Screen quality (compared to many other laptops).

2) Build quality, looks - SOLID
3) Comes with Wireless - N.
4) Intel's Newer Graphics chipset, better for Vista Aero.
5) My old sony used to have fan noise. This one is pretty good there.
6) Considering it is Sony, the price is pretty good. Got it for 1149 at Circuit City.

The Bad:
1) It is still pricey.
2) Does not have graphics card, for gamers.
3) Does not have HDMI.
4) Battery life is poor about 1.5-2 hours with power save mode on!!
5) I think the resolution for 15.4 inch should be better. It supports only 1280x800 otherwise what is the use of bigger screen, it will only reduce battery life.
6) Does not come with remote for media play. Play, pause, volume control buttons cannot be accessed with display closed.
7) Speaker quality is below average.

Update:
1)Battery life is poor.
2)Below average speaker quality.
3)No bluetooth.
4)Not had any problems with Vista(yet).
5)Graphics performance is good for a laptop with integrated graphics w/shared memory(Good job, Intel).
6)Lots of pre-installed junk.
7)Many websites with streaming videos won't work with opera/Firefox. I think it is Windows Media player issue.
8)IE stops accepting mouse input sometimes, only way out is to restart IE.
9)Mouse key is hard and noisy.
10) No built-in bluetooth support.

With all these I would say it is still excellent overall, barring battery life.

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