Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Rating 5/7

Despite it’s setbacks, the 10.1 inch Sony VAIO W is still a netbook with class. It comes with a high resolution screen, fantastic touchpad, and a design  as slick as the original Sony VAIO models. You can buy the Sony Vaio W for $499.

Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Top Features

• Design – While it has a beautiful streamline design, a lot of users will probably be attracted to the embedded metal VAIO logo which has become it’s own trademark.
• Screen – The 1366×768 widescreen is great – it has color, depth and vibrancy.
• Audio – In comparison to average nebtook speakers, the speakers are very good.
• Touchpad – Uniquely designed touchpad which is responsive and easily one of the best around on the market.
• Essential Netbook Features – 160GB Hard drive, Integrated Webcam, VGA Port, Wi-Fi, etc.

Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind

• Screen – Unfortunately the high resolution screen comes glossy. Meaning it will be difficult to use in areas with strong lights.
• Performance – Due to the high resolution screen, and the GMA 950 graphics card, the Sony VAIO W Netbook will run as ‘fast’ as the majority of netbooks around.
• Battery Life – Although it depends on your own personal needs, 2.5-3 hours of battery life is disappointing.

Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Ratings

1. Price and Value for money –  0.5 Star. The Sony VAIO is a well built  but the price is high when compared to other netbooks.
2. Speed and Performance – 0.5 Star. The 1.66GHz N280 Processor cannot live to its potential due to hardware limitations.
3. Screen – 1 Star. The screen on the Sony VAIO is superior to the majority of netbooks on the market.
4. Keyboard, Touchpad and Usability –  1 Star. The keyboard is spacious and the touchpad is very easy to use.
5. Portability and Battery Life – 0 Star. We would expect far greater than 3 hours of battery life.
6. Looks and Design – 1 Star. It is a beautiful netbook.
7. Connectivity and Extensibility – 1 Star. The standard features are seen on this Sony netbook but it only has 2 USB ports.

That gives the Sony VAOI W Netbook an overall rating of 5 stars out of 7

Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Our Recommendation

Overall, at $499 this netbook is pretty solid. We recommend the Sony VAIO Netbook to those who can sacrifice the setbacks shown for it’s high resolution screen and ease of use - The keyboard is well spaced out, the touchpad is responsive, the design is excellent and the netbook itself is packed with a few neat software features from Sony:

You can buy the Sony VAIO W netbook at Amazon for $499 including free shipping.

Sony VAIO Netbook Review – Technical Specifications

• 1.66 GHz N280 Intel Atom Processor
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 160GB Hard disk
• Intel GMA 950 Graphics
• 10.1 inch 1366×768 display
• 2 x USB Ports, D-SUB, 10/100 Ethernet, SD Card Reader, Memory stick Pro Duo reader
• Connectivity: 802.11bg + draft-n WLAN; Bluetooth 0.3MP
• OS: Windows XP Home
• Dimensions: 268 x 180 x 32mm [WDH]
• Weight: 1.19kg (2.6lbs)

Filed under: Sony Netbook Review