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Sony VAIO VGN-T150/L 10.6" Notebook PC (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)

Sony VAIO VGN-T150/L 10.6" Notebook PC (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)

List Price: $2,199.99
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • 512MB of PC2700 DDR333 SDRAM
  • 13.3 WXGA Widescreen LCD with a native resolution of 1280 x 800
  • DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive
  • 60GB HDD
  • Graphics - ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 32MB of memory


Description:

The Basics
It was just a few years ago that true micro-notebooks were little more than glorified calculators. But times change and Sony's innovative VAIO VGN-T150/L proves that a three lb. notebook no larger than a traditional pad of paper can indeed deliver adequate power for the majority of typical mobile tasks. Granted, this is not an ideal unit for demanding business and power users or sophisticated 3D gamers. It is, however, perfect for anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, finances, contact management and email/Internet sessions. Stunningly portable, extremely battery efficient and more potent than the vast majority of past or present micro-notebooks, the not inexpensive VAIO VGN-T150/L is a miniature dynamo.

The VAIO VGN-T150/L features a widescreen display, that is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-T150/L is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor, one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. Rated at 1.1 GHz, this is an entry-level Pentium M and therefore one of the least powerful in the Pentium M roster, though it's quick enough for most typical notebook applications and features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast recovery of recently accessed information.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-T150/L incorporates 512 MB of RAM, more than enough for most situations.


Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an Intel 855GME with 64 MB of shared video memory. Thusly, the unit shouldn't be counted upon for high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will efficiently display 2D and many midlevel 3D applications.

Display
Being a subcompact computer, the VAIO VGN-T150/L features a smallish 10.6-inch WXGA display. But if size is not its strong suit, visual quality is. Being a widescreen display, it's perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. Furthermore, it takes advantage of Sony's new XBRITE technology and an impressive 1280 by 768 maximum resolution to deliver detailed, bright, high-contrast images.

XBRITE LCD technology creates a new standard of picture quality inspired by high-definition television.

Hard Disk
The system features a 40 GB hard disk. In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, 40 GB may not seem overly generous. However, in the rarified, miniscule world of ultra-compact notebooks, 40 GB of storage space is indeed a sizable amount. Though you likely won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling video files, the unit will store a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files and a few tunes too.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+RW/-RW drive through which you can do all of the above.

Audio
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 83-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-T150/L offers an assortment of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a PC Card Slot for one type I or type II card with CardBus support..

Operating System and Software
Sony will preinstall today's most accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Other applications include productivity and word processing software and Sony's typically ample array of music, video and digital photo utilities and editing packages.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-T150/L is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.1 lbs and just 10.1 by 8.1 by 1.0 - 1.3 inches (depending on configuration).

Power
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers up to 5.5 hours (with standard battery) and 6.0 to 11.0 hours (with a large capacity battery). These are exceptional figures in today's notebook world.

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