Laptop Blog

Released in May 2005, the Sony VGN-T350/L is one of the newer and more popular 'T' series notebook from Sony. At under 1,999.00 from various retailers like Amazon (even cheaper mail in rebates are available at the time you buy) this notebook is packed with a TON of value.Built around the ultra-portable form factor, this notebook as a 10.5 inch display which supports 1280x768 resolution and weighs around 3lbs. Highlights include:CPU: Low Voltage 1.2Ghz Intel CPU with 2MB L2 Cache and 400Mhz BusHarddrive: 60GB at 4200 RPM (slow, but keep in mind that the goal is achive low weight and long battery life)Video: Integrated Intel 855GME chipset which uses upto 64MB of the systems memory for video.Display: Uses Sony's XBRITE technology with a 1280x768 resolution (WXGA)Networking: WiFi support with 802.11b/g. Bluetooth support is built in and so is 10/100Mbps Ethernet along with a 56K modem for dialup. Support for Cingular's National EDGE network is also included. Optical Drive: This small machine includes a DVD+-RW which can also handle Dual Layer DVD+R disks (Awesome for a machine this small!)Slots: Built in PCMCIA I/II support and support for Sony's memory sticksPorts: 1 Firewire, 2 USB 2.0, VGA OutputAudio: Built in Stereo SpeakersThe software bundle is built around Microsoft XP Pro and includes a number of Sony Multimedia packages including DVGate, SonicStage Mastering Studio, WinDVD, PictureGear Photo Studio and business applications like Microsoft Works and Quicken New User Edition.Trialware, MS Office 2003 (student / teacher version), Norton Anti-Virus and anti-spyware software are included.Our overall rating, based on a demo system we've played with and other reviews is very high on this piece of tech gear.

The Sony Vaio VGN-S460/B is one of the most popular Sony VAIO notebooks. Retailing for around 1799.00 it is competitively priced for the features and software bundle that is included.The system basics include: CPU: 1.73Ghz Intel Pentium Mobile Processor on a 533Mhz BusRAM: 256MBx2 400MHz DDR2 (Maximum 2GB -- 1GBx2)Hard Drive: 80GB SATA drive operating at 5400RPMDVD: DVD+-R/W, DVD+R Dual Layer and CD/RW writerDisplay: 13.3 WXGA display with XBrite Technology Ports: 1 Firewire, 2 USB, VGA Out Networking: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and 802.11b/g WiFi access + 56K modemPCMCIA Slots: 1 Type II/I The software bundle includes Sony multi-media software to create, backup and edit digital music, DVDs and videos. Also include, Microsoft Works 8.0, Quicken New User Version and various trialware like Norton Internet Security, Microsoft Office 2003, etc. Overall, this machine is solid value for a mid range workhorse and at $1799 or less with mail in rebates it is worthy of consideration.

Built around the widescreen form factor and released in May 2005, the VGN FS660 is the latest generation mid range work horse from Sony. Geared as a desktop replacement, this machine comes in with a good mix of value, mid range weight and battery life and extremely competant performance. Some of the highlights of this notebook include:CPU: 1.7Ghz Intel Processor on a 533Mhz Front Side Bus (Mid Range)Memory: 1GB ( 2x512MB @ 333 Mhz). This can be upgraded to 2GB by replacing the existing RAM. Video: NVIDIA GeForce 6200 which can use upto 128MB of your system RAM to support higher resolutions and dual displaysDisplay: 15.4" XBRITE display providing 1280x800 WXGA resolutionOptical Drive: Dual Layered DVD+R and Single Layer DVD+-RW capable driveNetworking: Integrated WiFi (802.11b/g) using the Intel PRO 2200 BG chipset (see note at the bottom) and 10/100Mbps Wired Ethernet. 56K Dial up modem is also built inPorts: 1 VGA Out (capable of handling an external monitor in a dual head configuration), 1 Firewire and 3 USB 2.0 ports for external connectionsSpeakers: Built in stereo speakers The software bundle centers around the pre-installed Windows XP Home (SP2) and includes the standard Sony Multi-media software like DVGate (DVD Authoring), SonicGate (Music), PictureGear Studio (Photos), Vaio Media, Click 2 DVD, and WinDVD. Business applications include Microsoft Works 8.0, Quicken New User Edition and trial versions of MS Office 2003 and Norton Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware programs. Overall, this is a great mid-range bundle. We do think that Sony could have improved the performance a little bit by adding a faster hard drive (4200 is low end). Users who have upgraded the hard drive to aftermarket drives at 5400 or 7200 RPM have reported huge performance increases. Note about WiFi: Several users have complained that this particular WiFi chipset from Intel has problems with loosing the connection frequently.

The Sony VAIO VGN A790 is a worthy desktop replacement with top end features and value for money.CPU: The notebook includes a 1.8Ghz Intel 750 CPU on a Intel 915PM Express chipset with a bus speed of 533Mhz. RAM: 1GB of RAM is included and can be expanded to 2GB by replacing the existing memory, when required. Video: A 128MB ATI Radeon X600 card running on a PCI Express x 16 slot powers the display. VGA and DVI connectors are included for connecting external monitors or a projector. Display: The display is a WUXGA 1920x1200 resolution XBRITE display from Sony. It is more than capable of doing justice to movies, television programs and most 3D games (not to mention your normal office type applications). The display supports ErgoBright for automatic brightness adjustment based on the ambient lighting (normally disabled by most users after the novelty wears out).Networking: This notebook offers exceptional connectivity with 10/100/1000Mbps wired ethernet and 802.11a/b/g wireless support. A 56K Winmodem is also available for those who are stuck with dial-up connections.Inputs/Outputs: 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Firewire, 1 TV Antenna, 1 S-VHS input and output, 2 Audio In/Out, Memory Card Reader, 1 PCMCIA Type II/1 slot with cardbus support are available. DVD / CD: A dual layer +R burner is included and supports DVD+-RW (Single Layer and DVD+R Dual Layer) media for backups and burning videos. CD/RW support is also available. Two speakers are built in for stereo support. Software: Sony includes a number of multi-media packages for burning DVDs, recording TV programs. Microsoft Works 8.0, Quicken New User Edition, Adobe Photoshop Elements and PhotoShop Album are thrown in for good value along with trialware versions of Microsoft Office 2003 and Norton Internet Security (90 days).Weight: The weight is on the highend at around 15lbs with the AC adaptor, which makes this a difficult choice for someone who needs to travel or commute on a daily basis with this notebook. We have taken it on trips and yes, our backs hurt after going through 2 airports a day. Overall, a highly recommended piece of hardware for someone looking at a "portable" desktop replacement system.

Gateway probably didn't intend to label its latest laptop like a T-shirt, or maybe the manufacturer did. Either way, the new Gateway M-150XL is the "extra large" size in its M-Series notebooks. What sets the M-150XL apart from its smaller brethren, including the previous master of the M-Series, the M-150X, is a lean toward better multimedia control and power. The M-150XL, for instance, stands head and shoulders above its little brethren because of its ATI Radeon HD 2400 DirectX 10 video card. That takes care of graphics power.
Then add the HDMI connection, the 2048MB of RAM, the Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 2 GHz processor, and the Windows Vista Home Premium edition and you have a multimedia hub to handle your 62-inch plasma TV, or the gaming station that can double as your work station.

Its other, smallest brother in the series-the M-150S, where S stands for "student," not "small" actually-comes with the older Intel Dual Core processor at 1.6GHz and no hard-core graphics core. The aforementioned M-150X basically can match its XL brother, except for that graphics card.

And like its other siblings, the M-150XL features a 15.4 inch screen and relatively customizable 6.29 lb chassis, with appealingly named color choices of Pacific Blue, Garnet Red, and Slate Grey Ridgeview. Hopefully, the copywriters who came up with those names were well compensated.

The only thing holding back the M-150XL could be its larger price tag. It starts at $1,199 but Gateway are currently offering a coupon to shave 200 bucks off that.

The Acer Aspire 4710-2013 is a marvel of a laptop value at its $599 starting price. The notebook comes with basically everything you need hardware-wise. Maybe not everything you want in other regards. But you know how that song goes. The Intel Core 2 Duo 1.73 GHz processor is not the speediest, nor is 1GB of standard RAM the most generous. And the basic Intel graphics chip won't win you any friends in the gaming crowd.
But for what you're paying for this Acer-repeat, it starts at just $599-there is little room for complaint and much to be grateful for. Let's talk about the ports galore for instance-from the FireWire to the S-Video, from the 5-in-1 card reader to the ExpressCard slot, from four USBs to a VGA.

A word of thanks, as well, goes out to the library of software that comes with the 4710. You get proprietary Acer apps to help you create, capture, and edit video, to create DVDs, to interface with all of the other multimedia functions of the laptop. And it's a Windows Vista Home Premium system, for those Microsoft lovers in the audience who have been waiting for a value-priced system with which to get on the Vista train.

Save some praise for the 120GB of hard drive, far more than most laptops in this price range. And as you might have guessed from all that previous talk about multimedia software, the Acer also has a DVD burner. And there's a full-sized keyboard to save your from finger cramping and a 14.1-inch display.

So with this Acer Aspire, you surely can get what you need.

Now there is one minor "want" caveat left to consider-the 4710's design. Acer tried to get trendy with a slick black chassis cover and a faux-leather, gray plastic keyboard deck. It didn't work out according to early eyewitnesses.