Tag: Sony VAIO

Product Review–Sony VAIO Z Series premium ultraportable computer (VPC-Z217GGN)

Introduction

I am reviewing Sony’s VAIO Z-Series which is their top-shelf ultraportable computer and a model that courts the Apple MacBook Air or the high-end Ultrabooks. This gold-finished variant uses a “split-personality” setup where it can gain extra functionality through a supplied docking station that houses discrete graphics, a power-supply and what’s more, a slot-load Blu-Ray reader / DVD burner.

Sony VAIO Z Series ultraportable computer

Price
– this configuration
AUD$3999
Processor Intel i7-2640M
RAM 8GB shared with graphics
Secondary Storage 256GB solid-state drive SDHC and MemoryStick card readers, Blu-Ray reader / DVD burner in external module
Display Subsystem Intel HD graphics AMD Radeon HD 650M with 1Gb display memory in external module
Screen 13” widescreen (1920×1080) LED-backlit LCD
Network Wi-Fi 802.11a/g/n
Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet on external module
Bluetooth 3.0 with HS
Connectors USB 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3,0
1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 on external module
Video VGA, HDMI
VGA, HDMI on external module
Audio 3.5mm audio out, digital out via HDMI
digital out via HDMI on external module
Operating System on supplied unit Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
Windows Experience Index – with docking module Overall: 6.3 Graphics 6.3
Advanced Graphics:6.3

The computer itself

The Sony VAIO Z Series is available in two versions – a gold-finished variant which is supplied with an extended-functionality “docking-station” unit a cheaper black-finished unit which has the docking-station unit available for AUD$699 extra

Sony VAIO Z Series and docking station

The VAIO with the optical-drive docking station

This docking-station unit has the AMD Radeon discrete video chipset as well as a Blu-Ray reader / DVD-burner drive in it and has a Gigabit Ethernet connector and two USB connectors on it. It connects to the computer using a single cable that plugs in to the right-hand side, where it can also power and charge the computer. Here, you have to make sure you press an “undock” button on the plug and wait for a blue light to turn off before you unplug this plug. It even stands on a gold-plated vertical stand which emphasises the market position that this computer is targeted for.

Aesthetics and Build quality

The VAIO Z Series aesthetics is very similar to a lot of the 13” “thin-and-light” ultraportables and the “champagn-gold” finish for this model that I am reviewing makes it look the part even in a business hotel’s lounge. There is still the good build quality associated with all of the Sony VAIO computers in this model.

As for overheating, the computer is well-ventilated to avoid this problem and the use of integrated graphics and outboard discrete graphics cuts down on this problem.

User interface

The VAIO Z Series comes with an illuminated chiclet keyboard but the illumination is more subtle than most similar implementations, more like what you see with luminous watches. It can still allow full touch-typing but could benefit from the home keys being made easier to find by feel and the keys have the hard-plastic feel about them.

The trackpad has a rough-textured area to move the cursor with and smooth-textured selection buttons. This makes it easier for one to operate the Sony VAIO’s trackpad by feel.

Audio and Video

Sony VAIO Z Series left-hand side connections - VGA connectionThe video setup in the Sony VAIO Z Series is very unique amongst laptops. Here, it would work with the Intel HD integrated graphics in a standalone environment or, if it is connected to the Blu-Ray module, it can work with an AMD Radeon discrete chipset in that module. The USB 3.0 link allows the use of the laptop’s screen and video connections or the video connections on the Blu-Ray module.

The setup that Sony has worked on for the VAIO can let it become a high-flying high-performing laptop for business, gaming and beyond as well as a battery.conserving laptop for basic tasks on the road.

Sony VAIO Z Series right-hand side connections

Right-hand side connections - headphone, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, power

glossy screen which may be of concern in bright environments  but the darker bezel surrounding the screen does make for improvements in improving the display’s legibility.

The audio subsystem is different in that it just uses the Intel HD audio chipset whether on the Blu-Ray module or standalone. The internal speakers are likely to distort on high frequencies too easily and this can be a problem with smaller laptops. I would improve on this design with a discrete sound subsystem like Creative Labs SoundBlaster in the Blu-Ray module and fit audio inputs and outputs to that module for better sound quality.

Connectivity and Expansion

The idea of the docking station that is part of the VAIO Z Series has permitted Sony to provide a highly-functional computer which suits different applications. Here, you have one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 connector on the computer as well as the VGA and HDMI video outputs and Ethernet socket. But this level of connectivity is replicated on the Blu-Ray docking station with the ability to connect peripherals to both devices.

The USB 3.0 port can be set up to provide charging power for gadgets when the laptop is off in a similar vein to what the Toshiba laptops that I reviewed offer.

Sony VAIO Z Series docking statiion connections

Docking Station connections - USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, computer cable, power

Battery life

The battery is able to last for around five hours of continuous stand-alone use due to the laptop using just the integrated display in that mode. If it is playing optical discs, it would be done on external power due to the Blu-Ray external module becoming the laptop’s power supply.

Limitations and Points Of Improvement

Sony VAIO Z Series lid view

Lid view

One point of improvement that I would see for the VAIO’s Blu-Ray docking modules would be to enable one or all of the USB ports on the docking station to be powered charging ports. This is irrespective of whether the laptop is connected to the docking station or not, so as to allow one to power or charge a mobile phone or similar gadget from this device at all times. The function could be selectively enabled through the use of a hardware switch on the side of the docking module.

Similarly, the Sony’s docking module could house an advanced audio subsystem like Creative SoundBlaster and have audio connections to allow the VAIO to yield Sony’s high-quality audio standards with a nice set of speakers.

For that matter, the idea of an advanced-function docking station that Sony implemented with the VAIO Z Series could be taken further with a micros hi-fi system, home-theatre system or AV component that integrates this functionality in the same chassis. Sony could then take this concept across all of the VAIO “thin-and-light” computer series and use a connection like the new “Thunderbolt” connection for these enhanced-functionality modules.

A cheaper “Fairlane-grade” variant of the Z Series black-finished variant could benefit from a 320Gb regular hard disk that is assisted with a 20Gb solid-state drive implemented for quick-start behaviour. This is becoming a trend for some of the Ultrabooks so as to provide for lower price points and granular model lineups.

Conclusion

Sony VAIO Z Series ultraportable

Doesn't look out of place in that business hotel's lounge

The prices that are set for the Sony VAIO laptop make it appealing for the “Rolex-class” of businessman who wants an ultraportable that shows the wealth. But the concepts that are espoused in this model could be implemented in the Ultrabook class of thin-and-light ultraportables.

It may be worth thinking that If I were to buy the black version of this model, I would use the docking-station module that is optional for that model as leverage for the deal.

Product Review–Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one desktop computer (VPC-J228FGB)

Introduction

I am reviewing the Sony VAIO J Series desktop computer which is the first of this class to be reviewed on this site. This computer is an “all-in-one” design with the computing electronics, secondary storage and screen in one box and the keyboard and mouse as separate entities.

This computer-design style was initially put on the scene with the early sewing-machine-sized “transportables” like the Commodore SX-64, and IBM’s and Compaq’s early portable PC offerings. But this design was legitimised and made popular with the Apple Macintosh since its inception in 1984 and underscored with the iMac lineup offered by the same company since 1999. Now, over the last five years, a selection of big computing names associated with the Microsoft Windows platform have brought this design in to being for the desktop as a legitimate alternative to the traditional “three-piece” desktop-computer design.

Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one computer

Price
– this configuration
AUD$1399
Processor Intel Core i5-2430M
RAM 4Gb shared with graphics
Secondary Storage 500Gb hard disk DVD burner, SDHC / MemoryStick card reader
Display Subsystem AMD Radeon HD 6470M 512Mb
Screen 21.5” multi-touch widescreen(1920×1080) LED-backlit LCD
Network Wi-Fi 802.11g/n
Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth v2.1 with EDR
Modem Dial-up or wireless-broadband modems
Connectors USB 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0
Video External display
Audio 3.5mm audio in, 3.5mm audio out
Operating System on supplied unit Microsoft Windows 7
Windows Experience Index – this configuration Overall 5.9 Graphics: 6.5
Advanced Graphics: 6.5
Insert other variants with price shift, bold or highlight this configuration

The computer itself

Aesthetics and Build quality

The Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one is well-built and the main unit is meant to resemble a picture frame with a kickstand on the back.  This is in contrast to the pedestal look that Apple has associated with the newer iMac computers. The front is finished with a piano-black bezel for the screen with a few status LEDs at the top edge glowing in a similar manner to the lighting on a classic pinball machine.

Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one computer DVD burner

The DVD burner – loads on the side using a vertical drawer

An improvement that I would like to see would be to support wall-mounting or similar “integrated” mounting setups with the back sockets arranged in a similar fashion to those on a flatscreen TV, as well as a VESA-compliant wall-mount anchor point. For some people, this may be a deal-maker or deal-breaker when it comes to aesthetics.

The power supply is a “lump”-style external unit which reminds me of the typical laptop’s power supply, thus allowing for reduced operating noise and increased power efficiency. This can be an annoyance if you are used to the AC cord plugged directly in to the computer but it can be hidden discreetly, like behind a desk or a bowl of fruit if you still want that neat look.

Through its use. I noticed a slight resonant hum while it was in full operation. This could be rectified with the fans and the hard disk being acoustically isolated such as being mounted on rubber washers and gaskets.

User interface

The Sony VAIO J Series computer uses a wireless keyboard and mouse as well as a touchscreen. The wireless link isn’t a Bluetooth-driven link but could benefit from this in order for the keyboard to work as a text-entry device for the PlayStation 3 or so larger and better Bluetooth wireless keyboards and mice can be used with the computer.

Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one computer keyboard

Small wireless keyboard

The keyboard’s size is small enough to store in a drawer lengthways, which can benefit applications where you would like to keep the keyboard and mouse hidden when not in use. There is that hard touch and feel that is close to the original IBM PC keyboard, where you feel as though you are typing on a hard surface. This may be OK for longer typing sessions.

The touchscreen has the multi-touch response and is very responsive in a similar way to most smartphones and tablets. An operating system like the upcoming Windows 8 with its Metro-style interface would let the touchscreen shine in many ways, but the VAIO software supplied with this computer does do justice ti this user interface. If you do buy this computer, make sure you upgrade to Windows 8 when it is released to gain benefit from this experience.

 Audio and Video

The graphics and display are very responsive and accurate even when it comes to handling games although I had tried out the touchscreen casual games that were furnished by Microsoft to demonstrate the touchscreen technology. It also is very responsive with video content even if it was served through online services.

The sound comes through very loud but it doesn’t come through with the full tone. This kind of all-in-one computer could work better off with extension speakers if you want decent sound with the full tone.

Connectivity and Expansion

Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one computer side connections

Side connections – 2 USB 3.0, audio in, audio out, SD card reader, VAIO Assis button

This computer has the proper connections for regular peripherals in the form of 2 USB 2.0 connectors on the back and 2 USB 3.0 connectors on the side. It could benefit from having all USB 3.0 connectors as well as external video-output connectors for use with multi-display setups and projectors.

The network connectivity is in the form of a Gigabit Ethernet wired connection and an 802.11g/n Wi-Fi wireless connection. Here it could benefit from a dual-band 802.11a/g/n wireless connection where wireless-network performance is desired. As well, it is equipped with Bluetooth which would work properly with accessories that work to this standard. This could be improved with Bluetooth 4 “Smart Ready” connectivity in order to provide for a standards-based wireless keyboard and mouse that work on regular AA batteries.

Limitations and Points Of Improvement

Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one - rear connections

Rear connections – 2 USB 2.0 and a Gigabit Ethernet socket

Sony could sell the VAIO J Series computers as a run of models with differing processor, RAM and hard-disk specifications at different price points rather than just one model with one set of specifications. Here the specifications  could vary with 500Gb to 1 Tb for hard-disk capacity, 4Gb to 8Gb for RAM memory and / or video-display subsystems having 1Gb dedicated display memory.

The VAIO J Series could also benefit from a clip or caddy to attach the keyboard and mouse to the main unit being sold as an optional or aftermarket accessory. This could come in handy should you need to transport the computer from room to room or stow the keyboard and mouse easily.

They could also offer a “broadcast kit” as an option to allow the computer to pick up broadcast radio and TV content local to the area. This would be in the form of a tuner module that works with ATSC digital TV and HD radio (IBOC digital radio) in the US or DVB-based digital TV, DAB-based digital radio and FM RDS analogue radio in European and Asian areas; and allows this unit to become an “all-in-one” entertainment centre with access to broadcast content.

As far as the software is concerned, VAIO Media Gallery could be built upon Windows Media Player when it comes to handling DLNA network media content. This means that it could handle more media file types properly like WMA audio.

Conclusion

I would position the Sony VAIO J Series all-in-one computers as a fixed or transportable “few-piece” computer alternative to a large-screen laptop. This is if you are considering the computer to be a household computer that exists in the family room or kitchen area or even as a “first” computer system for someone who is moving out. The cost may appear to be prohibitive but if you are considering the requirements for a typical “traditional-form” entry-level desktop with a system uint, a good-quality 21″ LCD monitor, and a wireless keyboard and mouse for average use, you may think of a bargain, especially if you crave the touchscreen feature.

It can work as a touchscreen POS or similar-application terminal for some businesses where there is a modest amount of activity and the system is primarily client-server based. For example, this may be a “back-office” management computer in a café or bar where the computer may be required to “ring up” orders for function space that is located near the office. Similarly, it could work well as a reception-desk computer in an environment where elegance is desired.

I would also consider the Sony VAIO J Series as a viable future-proof Windows-driven alternative to the Apple iMac family, especially if an Apple user wants the “all-in-one” look but wants to head to an “open platform” computing environment.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t really recommend it as a “serious gaming rig” for those of you who are craving a performance-driven environment to play something like World Of Warcraft.

Consumer Electronics Show 2011–Part 3

Now we come to the issue of network-infrastructure equipment that will need to support the increasing demands placed on the home network by the previously-mentioned smartphones, tablet computers and Internet-enabled TVs.

Network Infrastructure

Network Connectivity

Some newer chipsets have appeared which will increase network bandwidth for the 802.11n Wi-Fi segment and the HomePlug AV segment. The current implementations may use manufacturer-specific implementations which won’t bode well with the standards.

The first new “call” is the 450Mbps 802.11n WPA2 WPS Wi-Fi segment which is being provided by most network makes for their midrange routers and access points. Access points and routers that work with this specification use three 802.11n radio streams to maintain the high throughput. The full bandwidth may be achieved if the client device is equipped with an 802.11n wireless network adaptor that supports the three streams but your existing devices may benefit due to reduced contention for the wireless bandwidth due to the access point / router offering three streams.

Most of the routers shown at the Consumer Electronics Show this year that support the 3-stream 450Mbps level for the 802.11n wireless network functionality also offered dual-band dual-radio operation to the same specification. Here, these devices could work on both the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band at this level of performance.

Some manufacturers were trying out the idea of a 60GHz high-bandwidth media network which may be based on a Wi-Fi (802.11 technology) or other proprietary scheme. This could lead to three-band multimedia routers and access points that use 2.4GHz and 5GHz for regular whole-home wireless networking and 60GHz for same-room wireless networking.

The second new “call” is the 500Mbps throughput being made available on high-end HomePlug AV devices. These powerline network devices may only achieve the high bandwidth on a segment consisting of the high-bandwidth devices that are based on the same chipset. Here, I would wait for the HomePlug AV2 standard to be fully ratified before you chase the 500Mbps bandwidth on your HomePlug segment. Of course, these devices can work with HomePlug AV segments.

The third new call is for midrange high-throughput routers to have Gigabit on the WAN (Internet) port as well as the LAN ports. This is more relevant nowadays as fibre-based next-generation broadband services are rolled out in most countries.

Everyone who exhibited network-infrastructure equipment offered at least one 450Mbps dual-band dual-radio router with Gigabit Ethernet on the WAN (Internet) connection as well as the wired-LAN connection. As well, most of these routers are equipped with circuitry that supports QoS when streaming media and some of them have a USB file-server function which can also provide media files to the DLNA Home Media Network.

Trendnet also offered an access point and a wireless client bridge that worked to this new level of 802.11n performance. They also demonstrated power-saving circuitry for Wi-Fi client devices which throttles back transmission power if the device is in the presence of a strong access point signal for their network. This was ostensibly to be “green” when it comes to AC-powered devices but would yield more real benefit for devices that have to run on battery power.

They also ran with the TPL-410AP which is a HomePlug AV Wireless-N multi-function access point. Another of those HomePlug access points that can “fill in the gap” on a wireless network or extend the Wi-Fi network out to the garage, barn or old caravan.

They also issued the TEW-656BRG 3G Mobile Wireless N Router, which is an 802.11n “MiFi router” that is powered by USB and works with most 3G / 4G modem sticks available in the USA. It is of a small design that allows it to be clipped on to a laptop’s lid or a small LCD monitor.

TP-Link had their 450Mbps three-stream dual-band dual-radio router with Gigabit on bot WAN and LAN Ethernet connections. As well they fielded a single-stream 150Mbps USB stick as the TL-WNT23N.

They also tried their hand with IP surveillance with the TL-SC4171G camera . This camera can do remote pan-tilt, and 10x digital zoom. It connects to the network via Ethernet or 802.11g Wi-Fi (not that much chop nowadays) and is equipped with an IR ring for night capture, as well as a microphone and speaker.

Netgear were more active with the 450Mbps three-stream routers with Gigabit LAN. Two of the models are broadband routers with Gigabit WAN, while one is an ADSL2 modem router which I think would serve the European and Australian markets more easily. The top-end model of the series has a USB file server function which works with the DLNA Home Media Network and also with Tivo “personal-TV devices”.

They also released the XAV5004 HomePlug AV switch which is the 500Mbps version of the their earlier “home-theatre” four-port HomePlug switch. Of course, they released the XAV2001 which is a compact “homeplug” adaptor which connects to the regular standards-based HomePlug AV segment.

They also have released the MBR1000 Mobile Broadband Router which works with 3G/4G wireless broadband or  Ethernet broadband. This unit is being provided “tuNrnkey” for Verizon’s new 4G LTE service.

Netgear have also fielded the VEVG3700 VDSL2/Gigabit Ethernet dual-WAN router with Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Cat-IQ DECT VoIP phone base station. This device, which is pitched at triple-play service providers also supports DLNA server functionality. As well, they also had a DECT VoIP kit available for these providers

As well, Netgear have tried their footsteps in to IP-surveillance for home and small business with a camera and an Android-driven screen for this purpose.

D-Link’s network hardware range include the three-stream 450Mbps routers with Gigabit WAN/LAN, a multifunction access point / repeater for the 802.11n network as well as a new DLNA-enabled network-attached storage range

As far as the MoCA TV-coaxial-cable network is concerned, Channel Master is the only company to release any network hardware for this “no-new-wires” network. It is in the form of a MoCA-Ethernet 4-port switch for the home theatre.

“Mi-Fi” wireless-broadband routers

Every one of the US cellular-telecommunications carriers are catching on to the 4G bandwagon not just with the smartphones and tablets but with the wireless-broadband routers.

Sprint have a unit for their WiMAX service while Verizon are fielding a Samsung LTE “Mi-Fi” as well as the aforementioned Netgear MBR1000 router.

Computer hardware and software

Monitors

Some of the companies who manufacture monitors are looking at the idea of “Internet-connected” monitors which have a basic Web browser in them so you don’t have to fire up a computer to view the Web.

CPU/GPU combo chips

These new processor chips combine a CPU which is a computer’s “brain” as well as the graphics processor which “draws” the user interface on to the screen. AMD and Intel were premiering the “Accelerated Processor Units” and the Core “Sandy Bridge” prcessors respectively at the CES this year.

Intel were trumpeting the fact that this technology could make it harder to pirate movie content but this is more about mainstream computing and small-form-factor hardware being behind this space and power saving processor hardware.

Sony had lodged a commitment to AMD to use the Zacate “Accelerated Processor Unit” in some of their VAIO laptops.

Other hardware

AMD haven’t forgotten the “performance computing” segment when it comes to processor chips and released the quad-core and 6-core “Phenom” desktop and gaming-rig CPUs.

Seagate have also made the “GoFlex” removable / dockable hard disks a standard by building alliances with third-parties to make hardware that works to this standard. Could this be another “VHS-style” alliance for dockable hard disks?

Microsoft also used this show to premiere their Touch Mouse which uses that same touch operation method as Apple’s Magic Mouse. Do I see an attempt for them to “snap at” Apple when it comes to “cool hardware” as well as software?

The Microsoft Platform

There has been some activity with the Microsoft Windows platforms now that set-top boxes and tablet computers are becoming the “order of the day”

One direction Microsoft is taking is to port the Windows Platform, which was primarily written for Intel-Architecture processors, to the Acorn ARM-architecture processors. The reason that this port is taking place is due to these energy-efficient RISC processors being commonly used in battery-driven applications like tablet computers. They are also popular with other dedicated multimedia devices like set-top boxes and TV applications.

As well, Microsoft will be working on a lightweight Windows build for TV applications like set-top boxes. This is although they have previously written Windows-CE builds for this class of device.

Microsoft also want to make a variant of the Windows Phone 7 for tablet computers and are starting work on the Windows 8 project.

Similarly, Somsung has demonstrated the second incarnation of the Microsoft Surface platform This one comes in a slimmer table-based form rather than a unit that is as thick as the 1980s-style “cocktail-table” arcade game machine.

Conclusion

The Consumer Electronics Show 2011 has certainly put the connected home on the map. This is due to affordable smartphones and tablet computers becoming more ubiquitous and Internet-provided video services becoming an increasing part of American home life.

It will be interesting to see what will happen for the other “pillar” of the consumer-electronics trade fair cycle – the Internationaler Funkaustellung; and how more prevalent the Internet TV, smartphone and tablet computer lifestyle will be in Europe and Asia.

Product Review – Sony VAIO E-Series laptop computer

Introduction

I am reviewing the Sony VAIO E-Series laptop computer which is Sony’s attempt to create a VAIO laptop that can be positioned as a sole computing device for small business owners and similar people.

Sony VAIO E-Series laptop

RRP AUD$1399

  Review Sample Variants
Processor Intel Core i3  
RAM 4Gb shared with graphics  
Secondary Storage 500Gb HDD 320Gb HDD or 640Gb HDD
  DVD-RW drive BD-ROM Blu-Ray / DVD-RW drive
  SDHC card reader, Memory Stick card reader  
Display Subsystem ATI Mobility Radeon 5650 with 2.8Gb shared memory  
Screen 15” widescreen LED-backlit LCD  
Networking 802.11g/n Wi-Fi wireless 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi wireless
  Gigabit Ethernet  
  Bluetooth  
Connectivity USB 2.0 x 4  
  eSATA x 1 (shared with 1 USB)  
  Video: VGA, HDMI  
  Audio: HDMI digital, 3.5mm Headphones,  for thecrophone in  
  Express-Card 34 expansion slot  

 

The computer itself

This laptop is another attempt to upstage the MacBook Pro laptops in aesthetics and functionality. It is finished in a cyan-blue housing with a black keyboard and keyboard surround. There are different variations with a larger variety of different colours available for the series.

Processor and RAM

This unit comes with an Intel Core i3 multicore processor and works on 4Gb RAM that is shared with the display subsystem’s memory. This configuration seems to be “de rigeur” for most mid-range laptops offered on the market by the major manufacturers and is capable of handling most office and multimedia tasks.

Secondary Storage

The test sample came with a 500Gb hard disk which has all of the capacity as one logical drive rather than the usual practice of creating separate partitions for recovery data or vendor-supplied tools. There are machines in the range that have 320Gb at a cheaper price or 640Gb at a more expensive price. This is a size that I would find adequate for a computer that is expected to be one’s only computing device used for their work and personal computing needs.

There is a standard DVD burner supplied as the optical drive but you can get a Blu-Ray reader / DVD-burner drive as an extra-cost option.You also have a separate SD card slot and Memory-Stick card slot for removeable storage.

Display subsystem

This computer’s display subsystem is driven by an ATI Mobility Radeon 5650 subsystem with 2.8Gb shared with the system’s main memory. It uses a 15.5” LED-backlit widescreen LCD as the main display but can be connected to an external display device using either a VGA connection or an HDMI connection.

Keyboard and trackpad

Sony VAIO E-Series keyboard and trackpad

Sony VAIO E-Series keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard is a chiclet type with a dedicated numeric keypad that would please business users. It has shied away from  requiring you to press the Fn key to gain access to the standard function keys, a practice that has been required with other competing laptop designs. Yet it is still suitable for long-haul computing tasks because it doesn’t appear to be cramped.

There are dedicated keys for use in gaining access to the VAIO shell extension, the Web and Sony’s VAIO ASSIST program. The trackpad is a similar design to some of the Dell notebooks I have reviewed where it is a recessed area finished in the same style as the palm rest. The buttons that you press to select the option are distinctly different and are actual buttons rather than marked-out areas on the trackpad.

Networking and Connectivity

The computer uses an 802.11g/n Wi-Fi wireless connection or a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection to connect to your network. There is the option of an 802.11a/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi network available at extra cost if you have deployed such a network.

The computer has an ExpressCard-34 slot which you can use for ExpressCard-34 (slim-profile) expansion cards such as wireless-broadband modems. As well, there are four USB 2.0 sockets with one that is shared with an eSATA external-hard-disk socket. You also have a headphone socket and a microphone socket located up front.

Software complement

The VAIO E-Series is powered by the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system but I would recommend that business users use the “Anytime Upgrade” option to upgrade to either Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate to do it justice. There is the complement of multimedia programs that Sony provides for all their VAIO laptops, including a VAIO DLNA media server.

Use Experience

With all optical-drive-equipped laptops, I run them through a DVD run-down test with a movie to assess how long the battery will llast under a difficult environment. This is with the display showing the movie constantly and the optical drive spinning constantly. This unit was able to make through 1 hour, 42 minutes with wireless networking and Bluetooth enabled and 1 hour, 50 minutes without wireless networking and Bluetooth enabled. The DVD playback experience was smooth even with scenes that have a lot of action in them.

Conclusion and Placement Notes

This is another laptop that I would consider as being useful as a portable computing device for users who perceive it as their only computing device. This would includ users who want it as a “work-home” laptop. It doesn’t have the same “managed” business-class security complement that some business users would demand but would work as a basic all-around “work-home” laptop. It would also be another machine that I would put on the list of laptop computers that I would recommend to a parent who is giving a laptop to their son or daughter who is starting tertiary education and living at a dorm / hall-of-residence or similar facility.

It is also another machine that can can be considered as a Windows-powered alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro laptop and is priced in the similar range and offers similar performance. It may therefore be considered as a laptop solution for people who are disaffected by Apple’s recent goings-on and want to “move away” from Apple, yet still want a brand-name multimedia-capable laptop.

Product Review – Sony VAIO P-Series netbook

I am now reviewing the Sony VAIO P-Series netbook. This is a computer that is of a similar size to a chequebook wallet of the kind that many busy women like to keep in their handbags. The review sample cam in a bright orange colour but is available in blue or white. All of the units have a black bezel around the display and as a strip above the keyboard as a common feature.

This review unit’s colour scheme reminded me of a similar colour scheme used by Electrolux on a vacuum cleaner sold on the Australian market in the early 1970s where the unit was this same orange colour with black trim.

Sony VAIO P-Series netbook

VAIO alongside woman's wallet

VAIO alongside woman's wallet

 

Price AUD$1599 recommended  
Processor Intel Atom processor  
RAM 2Gb Shared with display
Secondary Storage 64Gb solid-state drive Card readers for SDHC and Memory Stick
Display Subsystem Intel Graphics  
Screen 8” widescreen LCD
Network 802.11g/n Wi-Fi wireless  
  Ethernet (via connectivity adaptor)  
Connections USB 2 x USB 2.0 port
  Video VGA (via connectivity adaptor)
  Audio 3.5mm headphone jack

The computer itself

Because the computer is intended as a personal portable computer that is intended to be small and run for a long time on batteries, the specification set will be very minimal, alongside that of a low-end netbook.

Processor and RAM

Like other netbooks, the VAIO P-Series computer is based around the Intel Atom processor which is pitched at this class of computer. It works on 2Gb of RAM with some being used for display memory.

Display

The display is powered by an Intel Graphics chipset and appears on an 8” widescreen LCD display. This can be a limitation for any long-term computing activity due to the way regular-sized fonts come up on this display. It will then require the user to adjust the “dots-per-inch” setting in the Display menu in Windows Control Panel. You may alos have to use Windows Magnifier and / or reduce the number of toolbars running in Web browsers and similar applications.

Keyboard and pointer control

The keyboard uses a “chiclet” style and may look similar to some of the “pocket computers” of the early 1980s. The unit also uses a “thumb-stick” mouse similar to what has been commonly used on IBM / Lenovo laptops with the primary and secondary “click” buttons under the spacebar.

Secondary storage

The VAIO uses a 64Gb solid-state drive which is based on flash-memory technology as its primary secondary-storage space but there is a memory card reader that works with SDHC and Memory Stick cards available for removeable storage.

Connectivity

There is wireless connectivity for 802.11g/n Wi-Fi networks as well as Bluetooth peripherals, which would appeal to this computer’s user base.

Peripheral connectivity is limited to two USB sockets (which you may have to use one of for a 3G wireless-broadband modem) as well as a headphone socket for audio playback applications. There is a dongle that connects to a special I/O connector which provides for connection to Ethernet networks or VGA displays.

I/O adaptor dongle for Sony VAIO P-Series netbook

I/O adaptor dongle for Ethernet or VGA connections

Observations

During the review period, the woman of the house had shown some interest in this computer because of the orange housing and had wanted to wish-list it to her husband. She also had use of the machine to type up a test document and browse her Web-based email account and found that it can be cramped but was enamoured about it as a “handbag companion PC”.

Limitations and Points of Improvement

One main point of improvement that could be provided for is the default use of a desktop setup that allows for readability on this display. The computer could also benefit from being provided with an integrated 3G wireless-broadband modem with software mobile-phone functionality, which could make it attractive to mobile-phone carriers to sell at a subsidised price with a 3G service plan.

Conclusion and Placement Notes

The small display and the large price tag may put this machine out of the reach of most people. But some people who want a handbag-sized computer with a proper keyboard for doing contact management, e-mail, Web browsing on a fully-functional browser and similar activities may appreciate this unit.

Windows 7 hardware intended to upstage the Apple Mac hardware

News articles and links to campaigns

HP Envy premium laptops – HP US site

Acer Aspire Z5610 spotted in the wild – Engadget

Windows 7 launch day hardware spectacular – Engadget

L’Acer Aspire Z5610 également multi-touch – Journal Du Geek (France – French language)

My comments

Last night, I was checking on my blog and had noticed that Hewlett-Packard had taken a vertical image ad on one of the AdSense ad units that I have running on the blog just close to when Windows 7 was launched. This ad had an image of the Envy laptop and the words “The Power Of Envy” written down the ad as well as the HP and “Intel Inside” logos. So I did a search using Bing on the terms used in the ad and this led me to HP’s series of Windows-7-based Envy premium laptops, rather than clicking on the AdSense unit so I don’t commit click fraud. Judging from the photos of the HP Envy laptops that I saw on the campaign site, the look of this computer reminded me of a recent-model Apple MacBook Pro laptop.

Similarly, there was an Engadget post about the Acer Aspire Z5610 all-in-one PC which had the look and functionality that could upstage the newer Apple iMacs. As well, the “all-in-one” computers listed in Engadget’s Windows 7 launch day hardware list were styled to look like a tabletop version of a European-built premium flat-panel TV. Similarly, Sony had just launched a VAIO all-in-one computer that mimics the industrial design of one of the small-screen BRAVIA flat-panel TVs

These hardware product launches were intended to be hot on the heels of Apple’s recent iMac and MacBook prduct-range launch and most of these machines would appeal to Windows buyers who like the look of Apple’s computer range.

In my honest opinion, the Windows 7 launch has heralded one of the biggest consumer-computing platform showdowns ever.