Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E PC Laptop Reveiw

Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E 14.1-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7250, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium), Color: Blue Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the indigo blue Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E notebook PC, which offers unique eye-catching features, impressive attention-to-detail, and an amazingly thin and light profile. Aside from its jaw-dropping good looks, it's also an entertainment powerhouse. 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--and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.

 

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E AC adapter 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.

 

Specifications:

• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed w/COA
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processors T7250
• Intel Centrino Duo Processor Technology
• 2 GB DDR2 memory (expandable up to 4 GB)
• 200 GB SATA hard drive
• DVD±RW DL drive
• Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel MOTION EYE camera and microphone
• Integrated audio with built-in speakers
• Integrated V92/V.90 Modem
• 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet
• Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection (802.11a/b/g/n)
• Keyboard with TouchPad
• 14.1-inch WXGA LCD with XBRITE-ECO Technology
• Built-in Memory Stick Duo media with MagicGate functionality card reader
• Built-in Secure Digital Card slot

The 14.1 inch screen of the Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E produces sharp and clear images thanks to the XBRITE technology and its 1280 x 800 screen resolution. Its perfect for watching your DVDs plus Sony's A/V controls will let you playback any CD or DVD without ever booting up Windows, it's almost like having a portable DVD player. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor is also fast, good for basic picture editing, DVD playback, word processing, and good for medium multi-tasking. If you have the habit of putting a laptop on your lap, the Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E doesn't warm your thighs after extended use. Another plus factor on the Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E is its 200 GB hard disk drive. That's a lot of space compared with other laptops on the same price range.

 

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:

1. 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.
2. Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
3. Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
4. Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

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.

 

Step out and be seen with the with the portable, powerful and colorful VAIO CR notebook, a notebook with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology. This thin-and-light mobile masterpiece features an array of entertainment and design extras, including a built-in web cam, AV controls, powerful, cutting-edge technologies and a comfortable, easy-to-clean keyboard.

 

The VAIO CR Series VGN-CR220E Notebook Computer from Sony is the perfect blend of mobility, style, and performance. This notebook PC will become the center of your digital entertainment universe, whether you're home, at school, working, or on the road. Perfect for the digital road warrior, the computer will help you get the most out of your digital devices. You'll be able to use the notebook with digital cameras, video cameras, MP3 players and more.

 

One big issue that you should take care of right away is that the Sony does not come with any recovery CD's or DVD's. To fix this problem use the utility on the computer to make your recovery disks. The recovery files that it uses to make these disks are kept on a hidden partition on the hard drive so if you have a hard drive failure before you make these disks you have no way to recover from this situation. Do that before you do anything else! It's very easy and quick.

 

To maximize Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.

 

The Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E charger is a member of Sony's CR series which means it has a 14 inch screen. A lot of you may be confused by how Sony names their VAIO models. For one, I've noticed at the Sony Style stores that their VAIO CR series now has CR290xx models but I think the difference between the Sony VAIO models in the CR series lies mainly on the colors and the processors.

 

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 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.

 

This package contains the VGN-CR220E notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion Sony VAIO VGN-CR220E 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.

Sony VAIO VGN-BZ11MN Review

Sony’s BZ-range is aimed at the corporate user, and the BZ11MN is an affordable, comfortable and attractive laptop. You’ll find similar styling aspects to those found on the more expensive VAIO models – such as the cylindrical hinge and green LED lighting – but finished in dark grey it’s more conservative than consumer models.

The 15.4-inch screen is the best in the group. It lacks the glossy Super-TFT coating found on its rivals – so it’s a much better choice for those working on the move in direct sunlight. Colours proved equally vivid and lifelike, and this machine is just as good for watching movies or editing photographs on.

Product information:
Name: Sony Vaio VGN-BZ11MN
Description: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.26 Ghz, 2048 MB, 160 GB
Platform: PC
CPU Type: Intel Core 2 Duo
CPU Speed: 2.26 GHz
Internal Memory: 2048 MB
Hard Drive Size: 160.0 GB
Screen Type: TFT
Screen Size: 15.4 in
Screen Resolution: 1280x800
Optical Drive: DVD-RW / -RAM / CD-RW
Dual Layer: Yes
Graphics Card: Intel GMA 4500MHD
Graphic Card Memory Size: N/A
Multiple GPU: No
WLAN: Yes
WLAN Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n
Modem: Yes
Network Card: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
FireWire: Yes
VGA (D-sub): 1
USB Ports: 3
Memory Card Reader: 4-in-1
Mouse Type: Touchpad
Operating System: Windows Vista Business
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Battery Time: 3.5 hours
Weight: 2.7 kg
Dimensions (HxWxD): 29.8-37.7x362.4x266.8 mm mm

Sure it's stylish and easy to handle, but more importantly Sony knows that efficient and accessible PC design is critical to keeping your employees up and running. That's why the VAIO BZ notebook was designed to provide hassle-free access to the components IT professionals most frequently access, including the RAM slots, hard drive, optical drive and keyboard. Hit the road with confidence. The Sony VAIO VGN-BZ11MN battery is built to endure the knocks, bumps and accidents common to frequent travel and day-in day-out computing. Backed by unprecedented processing power, expanded wireless connectivity, enhanced multimedia support and greater efficiency, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers the robust performance you require, whether you're running heavy applications, closing deals on the road or editing images for a presentation during a long flight.

The Vaio VGN-BZ11MN is a cost-effective workhorse of an office laptop, whose integrated webcam could prove to be a boon for professionals who like to keep in touch with a set of distributed contacts. We like the manual switch for wireless networking, and the keyboard is good enough to allow fast touch typing.

There are some definite budget elements to this laptop, however. The screen resolution is lower than we would like, for example, and there aren't enough USB ports. Build quality is solid, but the design uninspiring -- which is a surprise coming from Sony. And for a laptop aimed squarely at office use, we're puzzled by the enormous amount of preinstalled software. Some of it will be welcome, but many customers would prefer to have it on CD, available to install if it's required. If you opt for the more expensive Sony VGP-BPL21 battery model, you'll get a higher-resolution LED-backlit screen, 3GB of RAM and a 200GB hard disk.

The keyboard is a revelation, offering just the right amount of travel for comfortable touch-typing. It's also responsive and the keys move quietly.

The touchpad is large, offering a simple and accurate way of navigating the Windows Vista Business operating system.

Build quality is good, with magnesium-alloy used throughout, which adds a nice feel. The Sony looks like a machine that costs considerably more than its rivals. Our only gripe was the back of the screen, which flexed under pressure.

Sony claims 3.5 hours of life from the supplied Li-ion VAIO VGN-BZ11MN battery. Anecdotally, we easily managed half a day's work on battery power, with heavy internet use over Wi-Fi during that period. A full day's work will almost certainly require access to mains power at some point, which shouldn't generally be a problem for a 2.7kg machine that's likely to spend most of its time on the desktop.

The BZ has Bluetooth and built in Wireless to keep you connected where ever you may roam and a spacious 160GB hard drive will keep all your documents, music and video with room to spare.

Sure its stylish and easy to handle, but more importantly Sony knows that efficient and accessible PC design is critical to keeping your employees up and running. That's why the VAIO BZ notebook was designed to provide hassle-free access to the components IT professionals most frequently access, including the RAM slots, hard drive, optical drive and keyboard.

The Windows Experience Index (WEI) rating of 3.4 (out of 5.9) puts the VAIO VGN BZ11MN towards the top end of the Windows Vista notebooks we have reviewed to date.

The Vaio VGN-BZ11MN is a cost-effective workhorse of an office laptop, whose integrated webcam could prove to be a boon for professionals who like to keep in touch with a set of distributed contacts. We like the manual switch for wireless networking, and the keyboard is good enough to allow fast touch typing.

There are some definite budget elements to this laptop, however. The screen resolution is lower than we would like, for example, and there aren't enough USB ports.

Build quality is solid, but the design uninspiring -- which is a surprise coming from Sony. And for a laptop aimed squarely at office use, we're puzzled by the enormous amount of preinstalled software. Some of it will be welcome, but many customers would prefer to have it on CD, available to install if it's required.

If you opt for the more expensive 748 BZ11XN model, you'll get a higher-resolution LED-backlit screen, 3GB of RAM and a 200GB hard disk.