Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)[Review of "Sony VAIO VGN-AR750E/B 17" Digital Studio Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)"]
This is my 6th laptop and my 2nd Sony VAIO.I've had zero problems with it other than learning VISTA's unique characteristics.It is capable of running graphics-intense PC games as well as a desktop (examples include City of Heroes and Neverwinter Nights 2) with most graphics features turned on, though a high-end desktop will probably be cheaper and have a larger screen than this.320 MB is a ton of disk space (two 160 MB drives in a RAID array), and I've only managed to use up a third of that so far.
The LCD screen is large, high-quality and bright, and lacks that washed-out appearance that is common in others.Both Blu-Ray and normal DVDs look great, and of course the same applies to the games.
It's also more than capable of handling work-related tasks, including a full Visual Studio .NET development environment, and has more than enough memory to load and unload applications quickly.Yes, only 3 MB of the 4 MB of RAM is available to the 32-bit OS, but the other 1 MB is available to the NVidia video card - 512 MB on the card itself, with 1279 MB available system memory, for a total of 1791 MB.
Overall, I was looking for a notebook with a large, bright screen, plenty of horsepower and memory, that would be both a portable multimedia box and have the power of a desktop.This product fits those expectations.
As for flaws, there are but a few, and those flaws are perhaps better regarded as trade-offs than as flaws, per se.The primary trade-off is that this is a big, heavy machine, and runs moderately hot.A lighter machine that runs cooler would have a 13-14" screen and be significantly slower.You'll think twice before packing it to travel by air (doable, but most business travelers would choose a smaller, lighter, slower PC than this).Another trade-off is that if you're still on Windows XP, Windows VISTA will feel very different, and since VISTA is newer, there are more bugs to iron out.Personally, I've run into very few VISTA issues, mainly dealing with having to "Run as Administrator" to get things done.Finally, given the large amount of space available, the keyboard is of a normal, small laptop size - it would have been nice to have a larger keyboard, or perhaps a keypad given the extra space.
I'd recommend this machine to anyone else.I've owned it since 2/26/2008, and I'm using it to write this review.
[Note that Amazon groups reviews for products such as these.This review is for the model I specify at the beginning.Other reviews may be for slightly different models/configurations.]
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Product Description:
The luxuriously designed Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B Digital Studio notebook PC provides a power multimedia computer platform for enhanced entertainment performance. But it can also be admired for its gorgeously appointed design, featuring a black exterior, sleek profile, and interfaces and ports that are easily accessible yet discreetly integrated. It features a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen XBRITE-HiColor LCD screen with a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution, and video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, with 512 MB of dedicated video memory. It offers high-definition Blu-ray Disc read/write capability, supporting full 1080p HD video as well as up to 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio. It's backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come. The optical drive can also write a full range of disc formats, including dual-layer DVD discs.
In addition to its computing prowess, this notebook also doubles as a 17-inch LCD HDTV thanks to the included ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner, which enables you to watch and record premium HD digital cable content. It offers NTSC (standard) and ATSC (high-definition) tuners as well as Cable Card support.
It's powered by the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm)Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 400 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Gigabit Ethernet, both PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots, and Memory Stick/SD memory cart slot. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate combines all the features of Windows Vista Premium and Vista Business as well as adds extras such as multi-language packs and Secure Online Key Backup. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. 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: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which has a 2.50 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. (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.) The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost.
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
Hard Drive: The large 400 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 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook, and also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.
DVD/CD Drive: This Sony digital studio notebook is capable of both playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080p high-definition resolution to BD-RE/BD-RE DL (dual layer) discs (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). It will also play your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers 2x speed for reading and writing BD-RE discs, 1x BD-RE DL writing, as well as offering the following read speeds: 2x BD-R/BD-RE and 1.6x BD-R/RE DL. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD+R and DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-RW, 8x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.
Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.
This notebook offers a 17-inch screen with a widescreen 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution. And thanks to Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. It delivers deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter and anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, you'll experience a beautifully clear image.
Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, which provides up to 1791 MB of available RAM/video memory (with 512 MB dedicated) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.
Using the included ATI TV Wonder, you can receive NTSC (standard broadcast) and ATSC (digital, HD) signals as well as get digital cable channels with the Cable Card (available from compatible cable services). It also includes stereo speakers (3 watts apiece for 6 watts of total power) and an internal 5-watt subwoofer. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. 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) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).
With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (as well as a 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:
3 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
1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
Analog video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also compatible with ExpressCard/34)
1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support)
Memory card reader supports Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO(with MagicGate functionality) and Secure Digital media
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
1 S/PDIF digital audio out (for connecting to a home theater receiver for 5.1-channel surround sound)
Integrated 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:
Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels
Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection
BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.
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.
Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.3 pounds.
Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 3.5 hours (depending on usage).
What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AR790U/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter,and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.
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